It was precisely 3.35 pm on April 16, 1853, when the first passenger train of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway left Bori Bunder station (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) in Bombay (now Mumbai) and after covering the distance of 34 km reached Tanna (Now Thane).
The train consisted of 400 passengers with 14 carriages. It was powered by three locomotives named Sahib, Sindh and Sultan. It was not only the launch of railways in the Indian subcontinent but also the whole of Asia.
One-hundred-and-sixty-seven-years since, Indian Railways is the eighth largest employer in the world (1.4 million staff as of 2016).
The Indian Railways has emerged today as the primary vehicle for socio-economic development of the nation. Employment generation has been one of the vital aims of growth planning in the country. It has also played an important role in helping the sufferers in the event of natural calamities like droughts, floods, and earthquakes by carrying relief and rescue teams and essential items to the affected areas.
Apart from catering service to millions, the railways have braved many gut-gripping incidents. The Indian Railways has stood witness to and observed many events in the history such as the Indian Rebellion in 1857, the First World War, 1942’s Quit India Movement, the Second World War from 1939-45 and more.
Tracks that were put to increase a regime and fill the funds of foreign depositors changed to support the nation itself, starting an astoundingly massive network, transforming to being the backbone of our nation. Indian Railways has always delivered.
The Indian Railways is a key factor and driver of the Indian economy, transporting Rs 28,032 crore worth of goods and earning Rs 12,844 crore from passenger fare in the third quarter of 2019-20.
To remember this day, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday tweeted, “Serving the Nation Since 1853: 167 years ago, 1st passenger train was flagged off from Mumbai to Thane. After a long & glorious service, for the 1st time operations have paused for safety of nation. I thank people for cooperating amid the pandemic. We will emerge victorious.”
It’s ironic that on its 167th anniversary, Indian Railways, one of the largest networks in the world, won’t be ferrying any passenger. The coronavirus pandemic calls for social distancing as a measure has halted one of India’s passenger-lifeline.
The institution has faced several attacks, including the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2006 and 2008. Still, it hasn’t been able to bend its indomitable spirit. Trains were back on the tracks, ferrying passengers within hours.
Coronavirus brings a pause
Since March 25, when the novel coronavirus led a nationwide lockdown, the Indian Railways has suspended all its passenger services. It has suspended all long-distance passenger services, including the lifeline of Mumbai, suburban trains. Only freight traffic movement is operational.
As a part of the essential services, the Indian Railways continue to support the healthcare system and administration with the transportation of medical gear and important goods. From railway staff volunteering to make of masks to contributing portions of their salaries, the institution remains critical in the nation’s fight against the pandemic.
Apart from working to ensure the supply of essential services and medical gear, the Railways been working to produce coveralls for healthcare workers treating coronavirus cases. Among many other services, the Indian Railways has helped in manufacturing 40,000 litres of hand sanitiser and around six lakh face masks.
We extend our gratitude and support to this great establishment as the country battles its greatest crisis in modern times.
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