Michael Evans says:

[Initial proposal typed on a borrowed GPRS device hence brevity and lack of capitals].

>What is the COMPETITION?
>depends on upgrade to india railways website

Since submitting this proposal I have found such an option on the Indian Railways website here which does A to B journey planning: http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_srcdest_names.html
However it is not very obvious (no link off home page, and link found at bottom of ‘Trains between important stations’ page) - quite easily missable.

I will send a suggestion to add the link off the home page, as it is the obvious way to wish to find a train.

It is worth noting, that the difference with say UK rail (with hourly or half hourly departures between key cities) is that there are generally few trains per day between major cities - due to the large distances separating them; mostly configured as sleeper trains. A regular rail traveller would probably become accustomed to the major connections and the train service numbers / fixed departure times - and not have such a need for adhoc planning. With fewer alternatives, and long journey times it is probably not worth trying for different connections or complicated trips (having performed the task manually using a printed All India Railway timetable I didn’t find any alternatives to principal trains, for trips I was making). However it may become more of a concern in future, with expansion of transport.

Vimal says:

http://erail.in