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A look at top 10 oldest trains in India, some running on tracks for over 150 years

Published on: January 24, 2025 14:01 IST
Kalka Mail: One of the oldest trains in the history of Indian Railways is the Kalka Mail. It celebrated its 158th anniversary this year. This iconic train first began its journey on January 1, 1866, operating under the name East Indian Railway Mail with the numbers 1 Up and 3 Down. Since its inception, Kalka Mail has remained a symbol of India’s railway heritage and continues to connect passengers across its route while preserving its historical legacy.
1/10 Image Source : Indian Railways
Kalka Mail: One of the oldest trains in the history of Indian Railways is the Kalka Mail. It celebrated its 158th anniversary this year. This iconic train first began its journey on January 1, 1866, operating under the name East Indian Railway Mail with the numbers 1 Up and 3 Down. Since its inception, Kalka Mail has remained a symbol of India’s railway heritage and continues to connect passengers across its route while preserving its historical legacy.
2/10 Image Source : India Rail Info
Bombay-Poona Mail: This train holds a special place in the history of Indian Railways as the first intercity train to connect Mumbai and Pune. It was first introduced in 1863. This train was a lifeline for passengers travelling between Mumbai-Pune section. Over the years, it has become a symbol of convenience and efficiency.
3/10 Image Source : India Rail Info
Fairy Queen: It is a steam locomotive which was launched in 1855. It is among the oldest operational steam locomotives in the world. The train occasionally runs between New Delhi and Alwar. Unlike other luxury trains in India, the Fairy Queen has a total of only two coaches and a capacity to carry 50 passengers. In 1998 it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest steam locomotive in regular service.
4/10 Image Source : unesco.org
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): Launched in 1881, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a narrow-gauge wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This train offers a scenic ride through the hills of Darjeeling and remains a favourite among tourists and heritage enthusiasts.
5/10 Image Source : India Rail Info
Kalka-Shimla Railway: Since its launch in 1903, the Kalka-Shimla Railway has been offering picturesque journeys through the Himalayan mountainous route from Kalka to Shimla. This train was built under the direction of Herbert Septimus Harington to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system.
6/10 Image Source : Tamil Nadu Tourism
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: It has been in operation since 1908. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is an engineering marvel. It connects Tamil Nadu’s plains with the Nilgiri Hills and offers breathtaking views and a memorable travel experience. This train, too, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7/10 Image Source : India Rail Info
Punjab Mail: The Punjab Mail began operations in 1912 and it was initially known as the "Punjab Limited." It runs between Mumbai and Firozpur and is notable for serving as a vital connection during the British era. Today, it continues to serve passengers with its legacy intact.
8/10 Image Source : India Rail Info
Frontier Mail: This train holds a special place in India's history as it witnessed the era of Partition. This iconic train was introduced in 1928. It began its journey on September 1, 1928, and was one of the most renowned trains during British rule. Notably, in 1934, the Frontier Mail became one of the first trains to be equipped with air-conditioning. In 1996, it was renamed the Golden Temple Express in honour of its route to the sacred city of Amritsar.
9/10 Image Source : India Rain Info
Grand Trunk Express: This train is also considered among the oldest trains in India. Initially, the Grand Trunk Express (GT Express) ran from Peshawar to Mangalore, taking around 104 hours for the journey. This train was introduced in 1929 when the final stretch of the Delhi-Madras route, the Kazipet-Balharshah section, was completed. Later, the train started running from Lahore to Mettupalayam.
10/10 Image Source : India Rail Info
Deccan Queen: It was introduced in 1930. It was one of the first dedicated commuter trains in India, connecting Pune and Mumbai. Known for its speed and reliability, it has been a preferred choice for travellers in the region for decades. The Deccan Queen was India's first superfast train, first long-distance electric-hauled train, first vestibuled train, the first train to have a 'women-only' car, and the first train to feature a dining car.