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India's oldest running passenger train: Explore timeless journey of 158 years

India's oldest running passenger train: Have you ever wondered if the train on which you are travelling could be the oldest one still in operation? Let's take a ride to know the timeless journey of 158 years.

Edited By: Arushi Jaiswal
Published on: Jan 13, 2025, 10:22 AM IST
Train journeys are a common mode of travel in India, with passengers taking rides on trains such as the Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Amrit Bharat Express, Garib Rath Express, Tejas Express, and many more. Indian Railways operates around 3,000 express trains daily, on average.
1/10 Image Source : Pexels
Train journeys are a common mode of travel in India, with passengers taking rides on trains such as the Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Amrit Bharat Express, Garib Rath Express, Tejas Express, and many more. Indian Railways operates around 3,000 express trains daily, on average.
But, did you know that the history of Indian Railways dates back over 160 years? The first passenger train in India ran from Boree Bunder (Mumbai) to Thane on April 16, 1853. This historic journey marked the beginning of India's extensive railway network, which has since grown to become the fourth-largest rail network in the world.
2/10 Image Source : Freepik.com
But, did you know that the history of Indian Railways dates back over 160 years? The first passenger train in India ran from Boree Bunder (Mumbai) to Thane on April 16, 1853. This historic journey marked the beginning of India's extensive railway network, which has since grown to become the fourth-largest rail network in the world.
But have you ever wondered how old the train you are on is? It could very well be the oldest running train in the country or perhaps one of the newest. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the oldest running passenger train in India.
3/10 Image Source : Pixabay
But have you ever wondered how old the train you are on is? It could very well be the oldest running train in the country or perhaps one of the newest. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the oldest running passenger train in India.
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The title of India's oldest running passenger train goes to the Howrah-Kalka Mail. It has been 158 years since this train started its journey. It connects Howrah in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, to Kalka town in the Panchkula district of Haryana.
4/10 Image Source : Wikipedia
The title of India's oldest running passenger train goes to the Howrah-Kalka Mail. It has been 158 years since this train started its journey. It connects Howrah in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, to Kalka town in the Panchkula district of Haryana.
The train first operated on January 1, 1866 and was known as Howrah-Peshawar Express. The train first operated in the year 1866 between Howrah and Delhi and then further extended from Delhi to Kalka in 1891.
5/10 Image Source : Pexels
The train first operated on January 1, 1866 and was known as Howrah-Peshawar Express. The train first operated in the year 1866 between Howrah and Delhi and then further extended from Delhi to Kalka in 1891.
The Howrah-Kalka Mail, a historic train from the British era, was primarily used by British officials to travel ftom Kolkata, the then capital of India, and to Shimla, the summer capital.
6/10 Image Source : Pixabay
The Howrah-Kalka Mail, a historic train from the British era, was primarily used by British officials to travel ftom Kolkata, the then capital of India, and to Shimla, the summer capital.
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The name of this has been changed three times over time. At first, it was called, East India Railway Mail, which was later renamed to Kalka Mail.
7/10 Image Source : Pexels
The name of this has been changed three times over time. At first, it was called, East India Railway Mail, which was later renamed to Kalka Mail.
It is believed that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose boarded this train from Gomoh, in the Dhanbad district, to evade the British administration in 1941.
8/10 Image Source : Freepik.com
It is believed that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose boarded this train from Gomoh, in the Dhanbad district, to evade the British administration in 1941.
In 2021, the Narendra Modi government renamed the Howrah-Kalka Mail, as the 'Netaji Express' on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
9/10 Image Source : File Photo
In 2021, the Narendra Modi government renamed the Howrah-Kalka Mail, as the 'Netaji Express' on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The train has traversed through more than a century of changes, witnessing the evolution of the country from colonial rule to independence, and now to a modern nation. For those who wish to travel back in time and experience the nostalgia of a historic train ride, the Howrah-Kalka Mail offers a unique and unforgettable journey through the heart of India.
10/10 Image Source : Pixabay
The train has traversed through more than a century of changes, witnessing the evolution of the country from colonial rule to independence, and now to a modern nation. For those who wish to travel back in time and experience the nostalgia of a historic train ride, the Howrah-Kalka Mail offers a unique and unforgettable journey through the heart of India.
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