Railway Helpline Number: 139 and Every Indian Railways Contact You Need (2026)

If something goes wrong during a train journey, whether it is a medical problem, a security worry, a dirty coach, a food complaint or a simple PNR query, you no longer need to remember a dozen different numbers. Indian Railways has merged almost all of its passenger helplines into a single railway helpline number, 139. This guide explains how 139 works, what each menu option does, and lists every other useful Indian Railways and IRCTC contact number and email, so you can find the right one in seconds.

Save this number: 139. It is the all in one Rail Madad helpline. It works 24×7, from any phone (no smartphone needed), in 12 languages. Press 1 for a medical or security emergency, or press * (star) to talk to a person directly.

The Main Railway Helpline Number: 139 (Rail Madad)

139 is Indian Railways’ integrated Rail Madad helpline. It replaced the earlier scattered numbers so passengers have just one point of contact during travel. You can call it or send an SMS, and it handles emergencies, complaints and enquiries alike. Standard mobile carrier charges may apply for calls and SMS.

139 Menu Options (IVR)

When you dial 139, an automated voice menu (IVRS) asks you to pick a language, then a service. The main options are:

Press	Service
1	Security and medical emergency (connects straight to an executive)
2	Enquiry: PNR status, train arrival and departure, fare, accommodation, ticket booking or cancellation, wake-up alarm, destination alert, wheelchair booking, meal booking
3	Catering and related complaint services
4	General complaints (cleanliness, staff, coach issues)
5	Facilities for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and women with special needs
6	Corruption or bribery related concerns
7	Change language
9	Status of an existing complaint
*	Speak directly to a customer care executive

Menu options may occasionally be updated by Railways. You can press the star key at any time to reach a live executive.

All India Railway Helpline number: 139 (for general inquiries, complaints, and assistance)

How to Use 139 by SMS

• PNR status: send an SMS reading PNR followed by your 10-digit PNR number to 139. You can also learn how to print your train ticket using the PNR number, and understand waiting list codes in our GNWL, RLWL, PQWL and TQWL guide.
• Complaint: send your complaint text to 139 as guided.

You can also raise or track complaints on the RailMadad portal or the RailMadad app, which is also available through the UMANG app.

Numbers That Have Changed: Read This First

Older lists still circulate with numbers that no longer work. To avoid confusion, keep these points in mind:

• 138 is discontinued. The old customer helpline has been merged into 139.
• 182 (RPF security) is merged into 139. Use 139 and press 1 for security emergencies.
• Several old zonal grievance numbers are merged into 139.

If you remember only one railway helpline number, make it 139.

Other Important Railway and IRCTC Helpline Numbers

While 139 covers most travel situations, the numbers and emails below are useful for specific needs. Please verify any landline on the official website before relying on it, as these can change.

Purpose	Contact
All in one railway helpline (Rail Madad)	139 (call or SMS, 24×7)
Government Railway Police (GRP) helpline	1512
Missing or lost child helpline	1098 (Childline)
National emergency number	112
Medical or ambulance (public)	108 / 102
IRCTC e-ticketing customer care	14646 or 0755-6610661 / 0755-4090600
IRCTC e-ticket email	care@irctc.co.in
IRCTC tourism helpline	1800-110-139
IRCTC tourism email	tourism@irctc.com
E-catering (order food on train)	1323
Feedback or suggestions by SMS	+91-97176 30982
Anti-corruption or vigilance	155210

The IRCTC e-ticketing helpline is generally available 24×7. Email replies take longer.

Zonal Railway Enquiry Numbers

For zone specific enquiries, Indian Railways provides contact points for each zone. The fastest and most reliable option remains 139 (press 2 for enquiry), which covers all zones. For a direct zonal office, use the official contact directory, as individual landline numbers are revised from time to time.

You can look up your zone on indianrail.gov.in or the respective zonal railway website.

Station-Specific Railway Phone Numbers

For direct enquiry desks at stations, we maintain zone and city wise contact lists you may find useful: Mumbai local station phone numbers, Tamil Nadu station phone numbers, Kerala station phone numbers, and Konkan railway station phone numbers. For anything not listed there, 139 (press 2) remains the fastest option.

How to Choose the Right Railway Helpline Number

• Medical or security emergency on a train: 139, press 1 (or 112 for police, 108 for ambulance). See our full guide on medical help on Indian trains.
• PNR, train running or fare enquiry: 139, press 2, or check the NTES app and indianrail.gov.in.
• Dirty coach, no water, staff behaviour: 139, press 4, or the RailMadad app.
• Food quality or catering complaint: 139 (catering option) or RailMadad. For e-catering orders, use 1323.
• E-ticket booking problem or refund: IRCTC care 14646 or care@irctc.co.in. Read the IRCTC ticket refund rules, and what to do if money is debited but the ticket is not booked.
• Lost or duplicate ticket: see what to do if your train ticket is lost and the duplicate ticket procedure.
• Lost child or trafficking concern: 1098.
• Corruption or bribery: 139 (option 6) or 155210.

Train Cancelled or Delayed? Call 139

During heavy rain, fog, maintenance blocks or other disruptions, 139 gives you live status and assistance. You can also check our regularly updated lists of cancelled trains and major train blocks on Indian Railways before you travel.

Ways to Reach Indian Railways Beyond the Phone

• RailMadad portal and app: register and track complaints with photos. This is the official grievance system.
• X (Twitter): @RailwaySeva and @RailMinIndia are actively monitored. Include your PNR, train number, coach and berth. Use this as a backup to 139, not a replacement.
• UMANG app: access RailMadad and other services in one place.
• IRCTC website and app: bookings, cancellations, refunds and e-ticket support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the railway helpline number in India?

The main railway helpline number is 139. It is the integrated Rail Madad helpline for medical and security emergencies, complaints, catering issues and enquiries like PNR status, available 24×7 from any phone in 12 languages.

Is 138 still a working railway helpline number?

No. The number 138 has been discontinued and merged into 139, along with the old security helpline 182. Use 139 for all passenger needs.

What is the railway helpline number for complaints?

Call 139 and choose the complaint option, or register on the RailMadad portal or app. For catering issues, use the catering option on 139 or RailMadad.

What is the IRCTC customer care number for e-tickets?

For online ticket booking issues, call 14646 or 0755-6610661, or email care@irctc.co.in. This is separate from the 139 travel helpline.

How do I check PNR status by phone?

Send an SMS reading PNR followed by your 10-digit PNR number to 139, or press 2 after calling 139. You can also check on indianrail.gov.in or the NTES app.

What number do I call for a medical emergency on a train?

Call 139 and press 1 for medical and security assistance. A railway doctor is arranged at the next suitable station.

Cancelled Train Updates

Disclaimer: TrainHelp is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with Indian Railways, IRCTC or the Ministry of Railways. Helpline numbers are compiled from official sources and may be revised, so please verify on official websites. In a life-threatening emergency, also use the national numbers 112 or 108.