Indian Railways Marks 173rd Anniversary of First Passenger Train Journey
Indian Railways celebrated its 173rd anniversary on April 16, 2026, commemorating the historic inaugural passenger train journey that took place on the same date in 1853. The first commercial service operated by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway ran between Bombay’s Bori Bunder station (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Thane in Maharashtra. Approximately 400 passengers boarded the 14-carriage train, which was hauled by three steam locomotives named Sultan, Sindh, and Sahib. The 35-kilometer journey, completed in 57 minutes, was marked by a ceremonial 21-gun salute and declared a public holiday in Bombay at the time. This event laid the foundation for what has become one of the world's largest rail networks. The article also highlights the transformation of Indian Railways from steam to diesel and electric engines, noting upcoming initiatives to introduce hydrogen-powered trains between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. This move signifies a continued evolution towards sustainable transportation solutions within the country's vast railway infrastructure.
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Indian Railways Marks 173rd Anniversary of First Passenger Train Journey
Indian Railways celebrated its 173rd anniversary on April 16, 2026, commemorating the historic inaugural passenger train journey that took place on the same date in 1853. The first commercial service operated by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway ran between Bombay’s Bori Bunder station (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Thane in Maharashtra. Approximately 400 passengers boarded the 14-carriage train, which was hauled by three steam locomotives named Sultan, Sindh, and Sahib. The 35-kilometer journey, completed in 57 minutes, was marked by a ceremonial 21-gun salute and declared a public holiday in Bombay at the time. This event laid the foundation for what has become one of the world's largest rail networks. The article also highlights the transformation of Indian Railways from steam to diesel and electric engines, noting upcoming initiatives to introduce hydrogen-powered trains between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. This move signifies a continued evolution towards sustainable transportation solutions within the country's vast railway infrastructure.
The Indian Express