On this very date in 1853, not only India’s first but Asia’s first steam engine train departed from Bori Bunder in Mumbai to reach Thane and completed a 34 km journey. It was operated by three locomotives, named Sahib, Sultan and Sindh, and had thirteen carriages. With thirteen carriages, it was operated by three locomotives named Sahib, Sultan, and Sindh. A total of 171 years have passed since that day and our country has seen countless changes, upgrades, and additions.
Continuing on its pioneering journey
The very first train, which departed from Bori Bunder (present day Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal), completed its journey to Thane in 57 minutes. Thousands were in attendance to cheer the train as it was flagged off and later reached Thane.
From then to now, the Indian Railways has added a slew of upgrades and milestones. On the way, the railways has added trains like the Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Tejas Express, and the high-speed Vande Bharat Express trains.
Adding new trains while retaining the vintage ones
While the railways has expanded operations and added new trains, it has also managed to retain the OGs like the Punjab Mail, that are operating to this day. And with India’s first bullet train expected to be launched in 2026, the Indian Railways growth journey is far from over.
Today, as we mark 171 years of the first train journey in the country, let’s reflect at the convenience, ease, and countless memories that our trains have provided us with.