From steam engines to Vande Bharat: How Indian Railways transformed in 190 years

The journey of Indian Railways began with the steam engines that powered its first train in 1853 when the inaugural train from Mumbai to Thane completed its route. Over the years, the railways have transformed dramatically, now focusing on developing bullet trains for the future.

The iconic steam engine reminds us of a time when these powerful machines were common sights on railway platforms, with engines enveloped in mist and smoke evoking a sense of nostalgia for elderly people. Thanks to the television industry, the steam engine isn't nostalgic just for our grandparents. Remember the smoke bellowing out of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter universe?

The chugging and chuffing sounds, the smoke billowing, and the sharp whistle of a steam locomotive are now memories of the past, yet they remain fresh in childhood memories of playing with toy trains.

With over 175 years of history, Indian Railways now operate the world's fourth-largest rail network, stretching over 1.2 lakh kilometres and serving millions of passengers.

The first passenger train in India, powered by a steam engine built in the United Kingdom, ran from Mumbai to Thane in 1853.

It wasn’t until 1895 that India produced its first steam locomotive, marking an uncommon milestone in Indian Railways' journey.

STEAM ENGINES IN THE MEMORY LANE

India's national capital, Delhi, still holds a piece of Indian Railways’ rich history and heritage, along with Mumbai, the financial capital.

At the National Rail Museum in Delhi, visitors can find several steam engines on display, perfect for capturing selfies.

In Mumbai, steam engines can be found on display at several notable locations: Churchgate, Mumbai Central Railway Station, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Kurla, and the Nehru Science Centre located in the Mahalaxmi-Worli area.

These exhibits celebrate the rich history of rail travel in India, inviting visitors to step back in time.

The journey of Indian railways dates back to April 16, 1853, when India’s first passenger train journeyed between Mumbai and Thane, laying the foundation for today’s fourth-largest railway network.

Hauled by three engines --- Sultan, Sahib, and Sind --- the train took about 60 minutes to cover 33.8 km.

India manufactured its first steam engine in 1895, the meter-gauge locomotive F-734, at the Ajmer workshop of the North Western Railway. This engine transformed Indian Railways for several decades and remained in service for 63 years until its retirement in 1958.

It is now preserved at the National Rail Museum in New Delhi.

EVOLUTION OF INDIAN RAILWAYS

In 1832, the idea of India’s first railway line was proposed in Madras. By 1837, a track between Red Hills and Chintadripet came to life, with a rotary steam engine from England hauling granite.

The journey continued in 1845 with the creation of the Madras Railway and then the Great Indian Peninsular Railway in 1849.

For much of the 19th century, steam engines powered the railways. But with the early 20th century came India’s first electric train in Bombay, marking the start of electrified lines and a new era for Indian railways.

The year 1925 marked India’s first Railway Budget and the electrification of Indian railways, which was a strategic step toward the expansion of the railways. Indian Railways was not unified until 1944 when British authorities took over its management.

By 1944, around 42 railway companies managed 55,000 km of track across India, which were later merged into a unified network, forming Indian Railways.

POST-INDEPENDENCE ERA

The first locomotive manufacturing unit at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) in Chittaranjan, West Bengal, is where the first steam locomotive was dedicated to the nation on November 1,1950.

The first indigenous steam engine became ready to start its journey.

In 1951, the Indian Railways set forth on a new path, reorganising into regional zones to improve management and reach.

This restructuring began a journey marked by milestones: computerised ticketing, faster trains like the Shatabdi Express, and the gradual pulse of electrification.

Air-conditioned coaches now ease the daily rush, bringing a touch of comfort to journeys that unite millions across India's vast landscape. In the span of seven years, India has also witnessed the manufacturing of coaches and the year was 1956.

With the Vande Bharat Express 15 February 2019, India’s first locally built semi-high-speed train, and the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, the railways are entering a new phase of speed and connectivity, emphasising efficiency and modern comfort.

These projects signal India's move towards a modernised and interconnected rail network, bringing faster travel to millions.

Meanwhile, the Bullet Train project, a collaboration with Japan, promises to connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad at record speeds, which is likely to be completed by 2026, reducing travel time drastically and setting a benchmark for high-speed rail in India.

From the steam engines that first chugged along India's tracks to the sleek bullet trains of today, the journey of Indian Railways tells a story of transformation and resilience. This iconic network continues to connect millions, weaving through the fabric of the nation's history and dreams.