2018-04-16 Mon

It was on this day that the first train ran in India covering the total distance of 35 kilometres. Though a few other railways are known to have operated in India prior to 1853, this was the first commercial passenger service.

Two new railway companies; Great Indian Peninsular Railway and East Indian Railway (EIR) were formed in the country, which pioneered the railway construction in the country. This was the beginning of a widely spread and an efficient transport system in India.

The first passenger train of India ran between Bori Bunder and Thane covering the distance of 35 kilometres. The three locomotives that pulled the first passenger train were named Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan.

Though the motive of the British behind constructing Railways in India was to transport troops for wars and cotton to export to the mills in the UK, the railway has become a lifeline of the Indian Citizens, especially Mumbai.

The service of Indian Railway was commemorated by the Government of India. In 1853, a commemorative stamp with the value of 2 Annas was issued on the completion of 100 years. Besides, on 160th Anniversary a commemorative coin of INR 2 was issued which depicts the Mascot; Bholu, the Guard on the reverse.