Indian Railways Route Proposal

Proposal to Add Delhi-Agra Route in Train Sim World 5

Date: November 24, 2024

To:
The Development Team,
Train Sim World 5
Dovetail Games
United Kingdom

Subject: Proposal to Add the Delhi-Agra Route to Train Sim World 5

Dear Train Sim World Development Team,

I am writing to propose the addition of the Delhi-Agra railway route to Train Sim World 5 (TSW 5). This iconic route, which connects two of India’s most important and culturally rich cities, presents a perfect opportunity to enhance the game’s global appeal and offer a unique and diverse experience for players.

1. Route Overview
The Delhi-Agra route is one of the most vital rail corridors in India, spanning a distance of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles). It connects the capital city, Delhi, to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. This route is well-served by several high-speed and express trains, including the Gatimaan Express and the Shatabdi Express, which offer players an exciting opportunity to operate modern high-speed trains.

Key features of the Delhi-Agra route include:

• Route Length: Approximately 200 km (124 miles)
• Journey Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the train type
• Key Locations:
  • New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)
  • Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM)
  • Agra Cantonment (AGC)
  • Taj Mahal (visible from the track near Agra)
• Train Types: High-speed trains (Shatabdi, Gatimaan), Intercity trains, Local trains

2. Unique Selling Points (USPs)

1. Cultural and Historical Appeal:
   
   • The Delhi-Agra route passes through some of India’s most historically significant landmarks. Players can enjoy the visual spectacle of India’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage, such as the proximity to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
2. Varied Train Operations:
   
   • This route offers a mix of high-speed trains, express trains, and local commuter services, giving players the chance to experience a variety of operational styles and challenges. Players can take on the role of a train driver in both high-speed and slower, more methodical services.
3. Diverse Terrain and Environmental Conditions:
   
   • The route covers a range of terrains, including urban stations, rural landscapes, and agricultural areas. Players will have to manage their trains through varying weather conditions, from hot summer days to monsoon seasons.
4. Realistic Signaling and Infrastructure:
   
   • The Indian railway network employs unique signaling systems and features such as automatic block signaling, color light signals, and manual station control. These can add an additional layer of realism and complexity to the game, offering seasoned players a new challenge.
5. Tourism and Scenic Views:
   
   • The route offers scenic views, especially as the train approaches Agra. The Taj Mahal, although not directly on the route, is visible from a nearby track section, adding a visual allure that many players will appreciate.

3. Potential Train Models to Include

• Gatimaan Express:
  India’s fastest train (160 km/h), which currently operates between Delhi and Agra. Its modern design and high-speed capabilities would be a major draw for players interested in fast-paced operations.
  
  
• Shatabdi Express:
  A key high-speed intercity train known for its reliability and comfort. The Shatabdi Express has a frequent schedule between Delhi and Agra, and its inclusion would add variety to the gameplay.
  
  
• Rajdhani Express (optional):
  A premium service offering high-speed travel across long distances. While it doesn’t directly service the Delhi-Agra route, an optional inclusion would be a popular choice for players who enjoy operating long-distance, high-speed trains.
  
  
• Local and Intercity Trains:
  The route is also served by numerous regional and intercity trains, offering slower-paced, more realistic operational experiences that balance the faster express services.
  

4. Game Features and Enhancements

1. New Signaling System:
   
   • India’s railway signaling system is distinct, and adding these features would enhance the realism. Incorporating automatic block signaling with yellow and green aspects, along with some manual controls at major stations, would offer players a new challenge.
2. Cultural Environments:
   
   • The stations and surrounding landscapes should reflect India’s diverse culture and architecture. From the bustling, crowded New Delhi Railway Station to the quieter, rural stations in between, the route offers a stark contrast in environments that would be a visual treat for players.
3. Interactive Stations:
   
   • The two major stations on this route—New Delhi Railway Station and Agra Cantonment—are hubs of activity. Interactive features, such as train dispatching, station announcements, and passenger load management, would make these environments feel dynamic and alive.
4. Weather and Day/Night Cycle:
   
   • India’s diverse weather conditions, ranging from hot summers to the monsoon rains, will provide an added challenge to players. The addition of day/night cycles, complete with realistic lighting, will enhance immersion.
5. Passenger Interactions and Schedules:
   
   • Implementing dynamic passenger boarding/disembarking and scheduling will add depth to gameplay, requiring players to manage train timetables and station operations.

5. Community Engagement and Market Appeal
The Indian railway system is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, with a massive and passionate following both within India and internationally. By adding the Delhi-Agra route to TSW 5, the game will attract a wider audience, particularly those interested in international train operations and exploring lesser-represented regions in the simulation genre.

Additionally, the route could provide a foundation for future expansions into other major Indian routes, such as the Mumbai-Delhi or Kolkata-Delhi corridors, creating a broader Indian railway experience within TSW.

6. Conclusion
Adding the Delhi-Agra route to Train Sim World 5 would not only enhance the game’s diversity and realism but also introduce players to the fascinating world of Indian railways. With its unique blend of high-speed services, local commuter operations, and culturally rich environments, this route would offer an exciting and fresh experience for players of all skill levels.

I believe this addition will not only appeal to a wide global audience but also add significant depth to the already impressive range of routes offered in Train Sim World 5.

Thank you for considering this proposal. I look forward to your feedback and hope to see the Delhi-Agra route in future updates!

Sincerely,
Railworks America
USA

 

I'd love to see India. I like a change of scenery and it'd be quite different from the usual western stuff they make.

 

While an Indian route would be interesting I can’t see it hitting the LAMPOIL process straight on. The only route that might hit the spot is one of the tourist railways such as DHR, Kandra Valley or Matheran Hill. There’s inevitably the question of licensing and depicting operations as I would suspect Indian Railways are fairly strict when it comes to security, in fact sure I read somewhere (maybe IRCFA) that they are regarded as military installations. Despite people just wandering everywhere on the tracks, even in the big cities!