Indian Railways turns 166: Check out photos of first train from 1853 and heritage locomotive
Indian Railways today marked its 166th year of operations. While the old steam engines were put out of service almost three decades ago, the locomotives are still the pride of the Indian Railways. On April 16, 1853, the first train ran between Boribandar and Thane on the Indian soil. The railways has completely transformed over the years. It had started with a steam engine and is now eyeing bullet train. The progress of one of the world's largest public transporter has been a phenomenon. Below are some historic pictures of India's first train and Churchgate station at that point of time:
166 years of Indian Railways
"Today is 16th April. Exactly 166 years ago, on this day, the first passenger train ran from Bombay to Thane(34 km)," tweeted Ministry of Railways. (Photo: Indian Railways)
Indian Railways: First train in 1853
The first train had carried 400 passengers. "On April 16, 1853, the 14-carriage train, hauled by three engines named Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan, started from now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal with 400 passengers," it added. (Photo: Indian Railways)
Indian Railways: Churchgate station
It's notable that the Indian Railways has preserved its heritage and has maintained the old steam engines in running condition so far. The engines are currently maintained at Rewari steam loco shed. (Photo: Churchgate station, Indian Railways)
Indian Railways: Neral-Matheran toy train
In February this year, Neral-Matheran toy train was run with a Steam Engine along with a Vista-Dome coach on 23.2.2019 as a part of the heritage month celebrations on Central Railway. It marked a blend of old and modern rolling stock. (Photo: Indian Railways)
Indian Railways: World’s oldest working steam engine
World’s oldest working steam engine is with Indian Railways and is also known as Fairy Queen locomotive. (Photo: Indian Railways)