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A look into history of Indian Railways: Check origin and first train

Since its inception in 1853, Indian Railways has undergone a remarkable evolution, transforming from a colonial-era project into one of the largest and most efficient railway networks in the world.

anurag-roushan
Edited By: Anurag Roushan @@Candid_Tilaiyan
Updated: February 07, 2025 15:31 IST
Indian Railways is one of the world's largest railway networks in the world. It has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. It has been a lifeline of the country, shaping its economic growth, cultural diversity, and connectivity. The journey of Indian Railways is filled with fascinating milestones, starting with its humble beginnings to becoming an essential part of India's identity. Let's look into the history of Indian Railways.
1/10 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Indian Railways is one of the world's largest railway networks in the world. It has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. It has been a lifeline of the country, shaping its economic growth, cultural diversity, and connectivity. The journey of Indian Railways is filled with fascinating milestones, starting with its humble beginnings to becoming an essential part of India's identity. Let's look into the history of Indian Railways.
The idea of railways in India was first proposed in the early 1830s by British officials and industrialists who saw it as a means to transport raw materials and goods efficiently. The East India Company initially experimented with short rail lines, but it wasn't until the 1840s that the concept of a full-fledged railway system gained momentum.
2/10 Image Source : India Rail Info
The idea of railways in India was first proposed in the early 1830s by British officials and industrialists who saw it as a means to transport raw materials and goods efficiently. The East India Company initially experimented with short rail lines, but it wasn't until the 1840s that the concept of a full-fledged railway system gained momentum.
By 1845, various railway companies including the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) and the East Indian Railway (EIR), were formed to build and operate railway lines in India. These companies were instrumental in laying the foundation of India's railway network.
3/10 Image Source : pastindia.com
By 1845, various railway companies including the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) and the East Indian Railway (EIR), were formed to build and operate railway lines in India. These companies were instrumental in laying the foundation of India's railway network.
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The first-ever passenger train in India ran on April 16, 1853 which marked a revolutionary moment in the country's transportation history. This train operated between Bombay’s (now Mumbai) Boree Bunder station to Thane. It covered a distance of 34 kilometres (21 miles).
4/10 Image Source : India Rail Info
The first-ever passenger train in India ran on April 16, 1853 which marked a revolutionary moment in the country's transportation history. This train operated between Bombay’s (now Mumbai) Boree Bunder station to Thane. It covered a distance of 34 kilometres (21 miles).
The train was powered by three steam locomotives -- Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan -- and consisted of 14 carriages carrying 400 passengers. The historic journey, which lasted about 57 minutes, was flagged off with a 21-gun salute, symbolising the dawn of a new era in Indian transportation. This event set the wheels in motion for an extensive railway network across the subcontinent.
5/10 Image Source : Indian Railways
The train was powered by three steam locomotives -- Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan -- and consisted of 14 carriages carrying 400 passengers. The historic journey, which lasted about 57 minutes, was flagged off with a 21-gun salute, symbolising the dawn of a new era in Indian transportation. This event set the wheels in motion for an extensive railway network across the subcontinent.
Following the successful debut, the railway network expanded rapidly. By the 1860s, major cities such as Calcutta (now Kolkata), Madras (now Chennai), and Delhi were connected via rail routes. The network was primarily built to serve British commercial and military interests to facilitate the movement of goods, troops, and resources.
6/10 Image Source : India Rain Info
Following the successful debut, the railway network expanded rapidly. By the 1860s, major cities such as Calcutta (now Kolkata), Madras (now Chennai), and Delhi were connected via rail routes. The network was primarily built to serve British commercial and military interests to facilitate the movement of goods, troops, and resources.
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Despite its colonial origins, the railway system soon became a crucial lifeline for the Indian population. By 1900, India had over 25,000 kilometres of railway tracks, connecting towns, cities, and remote areas. The introduction of trains made travel faster, safer, and more efficient than traditional bullock carts and horse-drawn carriages.
7/10 Image Source : trainsworldexpresses.com
Despite its colonial origins, the railway system soon became a crucial lifeline for the Indian population. By 1900, India had over 25,000 kilometres of railway tracks, connecting towns, cities, and remote areas. The introduction of trains made travel faster, safer, and more efficient than traditional bullock carts and horse-drawn carriages.
After India gained independence in 1947, the railway system was nationalised in 1951 which brought all railway companies under one entity—Indian Railways. Since then, Indian Railways has undergone massive transformations, introducing electric locomotives, high-speed trains, and metro rail systems.
8/10 Image Source : Indian Railways
After India gained independence in 1947, the railway system was nationalised in 1951 which brought all railway companies under one entity—Indian Railways. Since then, Indian Railways has undergone massive transformations, introducing electric locomotives, high-speed trains, and metro rail systems.
Some key developments in modern Indian Railways include the introduction of the first electric train between Bombay and Kurla (1925). Launch of India's fastest train, Vande Bharat Express (2019), expansion of metro networks in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other cities, and digital transformation, including online ticketing, mobile apps, and AI-driven operations.
9/10 Image Source : Indian Railways
Some key developments in modern Indian Railways include the introduction of the first electric train between Bombay and Kurla (1925). Launch of India's fastest train, Vande Bharat Express (2019), expansion of metro networks in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other cities, and digital transformation, including online ticketing, mobile apps, and AI-driven operations.
Today, Indian Railways operates the fourth-largest railway network in the world, spanning over 68,000 kilometres with 7,300 stations. It transports over 30 million passengers daily and handles more than 5 million tonnes of freight. The railway system is constantly evolving, with ambitious projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, high-speed corridors, and eco-friendly initiatives.
10/10 Image Source : PTI
Today, Indian Railways operates the fourth-largest railway network in the world, spanning over 68,000 kilometres with 7,300 stations. It transports over 30 million passengers daily and handles more than 5 million tonnes of freight. The railway system is constantly evolving, with ambitious projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, high-speed corridors, and eco-friendly initiatives.
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