Installing Indian addons is slightly different from installing default MSTS routes. Follow this protocol:
Step 1: The Folder Structure Every addon usually comes in two forms:
Step 2: The "Consist" Issue Many new users download a WAP-7 and a Rajdhani rake but see nothing in the game. You need a Consist (.con) file. This tells the game which loco is connected to which coach.
Step 3: Bin Patch (The Requirement) Most modern Indian addons use advanced lighting (Marker lights, Flashing tail lamps, Headlights with Dim/Bright settings). To see these, you must install MSTS Bin Patch 1.8. Without it, your WAP-7 will have square buffers and no ditch lights. msts indian train addons
Before diving into the files, it is essential to understand why Indian addons are so special. Indian Railways (IR) is not just a transport system; it is a sensory experience. MSTS Indian addons capture:
Without these addons, MSTS feels incomplete for an Asian railfan. With them, it transforms into a hyper-local simulation of the second-largest railway network in the world.
Enjoy your journey! The Indian MSTS community is very helpful—don't hesitate to ask questions in the forums if you get stuck. Step 2: The "Consist" Issue Many new users
| Route Name | Type | Rating | Comments | |------------|------|--------|----------| | Mumbai – CST Panvel | Suburban | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Detailed stations, accurate OHE, good for EMU services. | | Howrah – Bardhaman Main Line | Mixed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent scenic variety, multiple branch lines. | | Chennai – Jolarpettai | Intercity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Smooth performance, realistic gradients. | | Darjeeling Himalayan Railway | Narrow Gauge | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Beautiful scenery but track laying is rough in MSTS. | | Konkan Railway (Roha – Mangalore) | Challenging | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Long route, many tunnels & bridges – requires good PC. |
For nearly two decades, Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) has remained the gold standard for rail enthusiasts who crave realistic driving experiences. While the base game focused primarily on European and American routes, a dedicated and passionate community emerged in India, determined to bring the chaotic, colorful, and diverse world of Indian Railways into the simulator. This gave birth to the universe of MSTS Indian Train Addons.
Whether you are a locomotive driver (Loco Pilot) by profession, a railfan, or a new gamer looking to haul the Rajdhani Express from New Delhi to Howrah, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Indian addons—from locomotives and routes to installation tips and the best websites to download them. Step 3: Bin Patch (The Requirement) Most modern
Start with the Indian Railways Mega Pack (free on IRFCA) and the Ghats route. Run via Open Rails for the best experience. Avoid paying for “premium” MSTS addons unless from trusted creators like SkyHighSim or Indian Trainz Works (though they focus more on Trainz now).
The community has produced thousands of files. Here are some essential categories and famous examples: