Back in Time is ED’s newspaper-like column that reports the past as though it had happened just yesterday. It allows the reader to relive it several years later, on the date it occurred.
16th April 1853: The inauguration of the 21-mile-long railway line from Bombay to Thane took place on Saturday. This feat is historic as it is the first railway line in India and Asia. India’s first train covered a distance of 34 km carrying 400 passengers in its 14 coaches.
The train left Bori Bunder at 3.30 PM. 21 Gun salute was given while the train was flagged off from the station. Hundreds of people had gathered for the inauguration ceremony as it was a declared public holiday. 400 passengers that were on the train were duly invited by the government.
The fares from Mumbai to Thane were priced at 2 Rupees and 10 annas for the first class, 1 Rupee, and 1 anna for the second class, and 5 annas and 3 pai for the third class.
At Sion, the train halted for 15 minutes for watering the engines and oiling the new wheels. It finally arrived at Thane after 55 minutes and was welcomed warmly by the crowds gathered there. The train traveled at a speed of 35 kmph. While returning from Thane to Bori Bunder, the train took only 40 minutes and reached by 7 p.m.
Also Read: Back In Time: 73 Years Ago Today, India Celebrated Her First Republic Day
The project was undertaken by Great Indian Peninsula (GIP) Railway Company in collaboration with East India Company. India’s first railway engine was built by Vulcon Foundary in England. After arriving in Mumbai, it is named “Falkland” after Lord Falkland, the Governor.
The idea of laying a railway line between Mumbai and Thane was conceived by George Clark, the Chief Engineer of the Government of Mumbai, in 1843. Nana Shankarseth and Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy were included in the planning committee and were instrumental in giving a concrete shape to the plan.
On 18th November 1852, a trial run was also conducted for the train. However, it was conducted with a shunting locomotive instead of a rail engine. According to sources, 10,000 men worked on the project and 10,000 pounds were spent to lay the railway line.
Post Scriptum
The train service was opened to people after two days. The Mumbai-Thane railway train carried 4,50,000 passengers in the first year without any accidents. Four trains ferried to and fro daily. As Mumbai had achieved the feat of flagging off Asia’s first train, it became the commercial hub of the country.
India now has the third largest rail network which extends 1,27,760 km across the country. The New Delhi Railway station holds the Guinness Book Of World Records for being the World’s largest Route Relay Interlocking System. Every year, Indian Railways Transport Day is celebrated in India.
Indian Railways regularly sees huge loads of passengers every day. Indian Railways has become a primary transport system of India’s population as the tickets range from lowest to highest, accommodating the needs of every class of society.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: News 18, Hindustan Times, Jagran
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: back in time, railways, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Pune, transport, Asia, largest rail network, accidents, Great Indian Peninsula, East India Company, commercial, public holiday
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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