UPSC Prelims 2005 Q116: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
Consider the following statements concerning the Indian Railways:
1. The Headquarters of the North Western Railway are located at Jodhpur.
2. ‘Indrail pass’ - a travel - as - you - please ticket has been created especially for freedom fighters
and sportspersons who have represented India in any game/sport.
3. Fairy Queen is a train using the world’s oldest working engine and the Indian Railways conduct
a journey of wildlife and heritage sites on it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2
- (d) None
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
Indian Railways facts
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. North Western Railway HQ at Jodhpur | False: the HQ is at Jaipur |
| 2. Indrail Pass for freedom fighters and sportspersons | False: Indrail Pass is for foreign tourists and NRIs |
| 3. Fairy Queen: oldest working engine | True — a heritage steam engine of 1855 |
Only statement 3 is correct. North Western Railway is headquartered at Jaipur, and the Indrail Pass is meant for foreign tourists and non-resident Indians.
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 gives the wrong users of the Indrail Pass.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 3 is correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are both false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is true.
Key point
Railway HQs: North Western - Jaipur; North Eastern - Gorakhpur; Western - Mumbai.
Remember
North Western Railway is headquartered at Jaipur.
Common mistakes
- Placing the NWR HQ at Jodhpur, a division.
- Thinking Indrail Pass is a concession for Indian citizens.
- Missing that Fairy Queen is a heritage steam engine.
Exam tip
Indrail Pass: tourists; Fairy Queen: heritage steam engine of 1855.
Sources
- Ministry of Railways — year book
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Indian Railways