Ashwini Vaishnaw Marks 173rd Anniversary of India’s First Passenger Train

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today marked the  173rd anniversary of the country’s first passenger train in India by sharing an image of the historic Thane railway bridge and an early train.
• The first passenger train in the country travelled between Bori Bunder in Mumbai and Thane on 16th April 1853.
• The Minister also released a collage featuring an authenticated archival image of the historic Thane railway bridge alongside a modern Amrit Bharat Express train.
• The anniversary highlights both the legacy and continuing evolution of the country’s vast railway network.

When Did It Start?

• Date: 16 April 1853
• Marked the beginning of rail transport in India

Route Details:

• From: Bori Bunder (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai)
• To: Thane
• Distance: 34 km

Train Details:

• Engines: 3 steam locomotives – Sahib, Sindh, Sultan
• Coaches: 14
• Passengers: Around 400

Historical Context:

• Introduced during British rule in India
• Operated by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR)

Significance:

• Laid foundation for Indian Railways
• Boosted trade, travel, and connectivity
• One of the largest railway networks today started from this journey

Key Facts:

• First journey took about 1 hour 15 minutes
• Considered a major step in industrial and economic development