New Delhi. Indian Railways is one of the oldest and largest networks in the world, which has given a new direction to the economic and social development of India from the very beginning. Today we travel on high speed trains like Vande Bharat, but the basis of this modernity is hidden in those early steam engines which started the chapter of trains in India in the nineteenth century. Railways not only connected India across distance but also changed industry, trade, cities and everyday life in a new dimension.
The history of Indian Railways is more than 172 years old and during this time it has gone through many technical, structural and policy changes. This service, which started during the British rule, has today transformed into a modern rail system. The railway lines that began to be laid in the early 1850s later became the basis of the world’s largest organized railway network.
Steam engine and India’s first train in 1853.
The journey of Indian Railways started on 16 April 1853 when the first passenger train ran from Mumbai to Thane. This train covered a route of 34 km length and was run by three steam engines named Singh, Sultan and Sahib. This beginning opened the way for the Industrial Revolution in India. Over the next few decades, during the 1860s and 1870s, many new lines were built and North India, Madras, Bengal and Punjab were connected by rail.
By the year 1880, more than 9000 kilometers of railway lines had been laid in India. Steam engines were considered a technological breakthrough of the era, although they required heavy fuel, water and maintenance. Nevertheless, these engines facilitated the transportation of commercial freight and long distance travel.
The beginning of the diesel and electric era (1920s to 1960s)
In the early 20th century, railways felt the need for more efficient, faster and durable engines. India started using diesel engines in the 1920s. These were lighter, faster and gave better performance than steam engines. After India became independent in 1950, railways were nationalized on a large scale and concrete steps were taken towards modernization.
Indian Railways began using electric locomotives on a large scale in 1957 when many routes in the country were electrified. Electrification increased rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, making trains faster and safer than ever before. Electric locomotives completely replaced steam locomotives and by the 1980s steam locomotives were almost out of use.
The move towards modern technology and high speed (1990s to 2020s)
In the 1990s, the Railways moved towards new generation locomotives, computerized signaling and better suspension systems. In 1995, fast trains like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi gave a new identity to the speed and quality of railways. The capabilities of Indian Railways increased manifold with the introduction of WAP and WAG series high horsepower electric locomotives in the 2000s. For safety, modern solutions like Train Protection Warning System, Fog Safe Device and Satellite Based Tracking were adopted.
India’s Railways entered a new era in 2019 when the first Vande Bharat Express ran from Delhi to Varanasi. It is India’s first semi-high speed, engine-less train that can achieve speeds of up to 160 kmph. Its design, acceleration and comfort have been completely prepared according to modern standards.
Major milestones of Indian Railways
- 1853: First passenger train between Mumbai and Thane.
- 1901: Establishment of Railway Board.
- 1951: Nationalization of Indian Railways.
- 1957: Beginning of route electrification on a large scale.
- 1985: Last steam engine ceases to operate.
- 1995: The era of fast trains begins with Rajdhani and Shatabdi.
- 2019: First Vande Bharat train launched.
- 2023: Operation of more than 25 Vande Bharat trains.
- 2024–2025: Intensified work on Bharat High Speed Rail and Bullet Train project.
This journey of Indian Railways proves that India has continuously improved itself at every level of technology, speed and safety. This journey that started with steam engines has today reached fast, modern and luxurious trains like Vande Bharat. In the coming years, semi-high speed, bullet trains and 100 percent electrified network will make Indian Railways among the most advanced services in the world.
