« Back to article | Print this article |
Railways were first introduced to India in 1853. By 1947, the year of India's independence, there were 42 rail systems. In 1951 the systems were nationalised as one unit, the Indian Railways, becoming one of the largest networks in the world.
Indian Railways operates both long distance and suburban rail systems on a multi-gauge network of broad, metre and narrow gauges. It also owns locomotive and coach production facilities.
Let's have a look at some historical and iconic photos of the railway network.
Click NEXT to see more...
First Great Indian Peninsula Railway EMU.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Inauguration of electric traction by the GIPR, 1925.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
GIPR's Wadi Bunder viaduct, Mumbai, 1925.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Poster of the Deccan Queen, 1930.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Steam-hauled train ascending the Bhore Ghat, 1929.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
A view of a train between Bhusaval and Mumbai, 1924.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Poona Mail at the then-new Poona station.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
The Frontier Mail on Old Vasai Creek bridge, Maharashtra.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
South Indian Railway's electric locomotive with battery tender in 1931.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Trial run of a double decker car built by Indian Coach Factory.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Three hundred horsepower new diesel Tisco #25, 1936.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
The notings on the reverse of the photograph says 'Ice for the air conditioned coach of the Frontier Mail -1' Bayana Junction, Rajasthan, 11-9-42.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
The air conditioned coach of Frontier Mail at Ratlam Junction. The notings on the reverse of the photgraph says 'Ratlam Junction' 11-9-42.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
This photograph was taken at Chalisgaon, Maharashtra, of the Frontier Mail. Notings on the reverse 'Chalisgaon, 2.9.42'.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
The notings on the reverse says 'Yours Truly watching the passing pageant!', Lakheri, Rajasthan, September 11th, 1942.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
D1 class 4-4-0 locomotive No. 248. It was known as `Princess May'.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
An earlier locomotive of BBCIR, No. 8 became known as `Palej'. It was an A class 2-4-0T locomotive built by Robert Stephenson & Co in 1881.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
A metre gauge BBCIR locomotive. No. 98 was a B class 0-4-4 tank locomotive built by Dubs in 1874. Earlier examples were built by Naysmth Wilson.
The location of this picture could be Ajmer Works.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
A view of Bombay Central.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Another view of Bombay Central.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
A view of the Churchgate Station, Mumbai, around 1956.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Route controllers at work.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Passengers disembark from narrow gauge train at station in Alipore, Diamond Harbor Road and the canal, Maharashtra. Photo taken in 1944.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
A train gets ready for departure.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Flooded railway tracks in Mumbai, 1935.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
A view of Pune Station, around 1905.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Railway accident on July 7, 1931.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow.
Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage
Click NEXT to read more...
An early image of Victoria Terminus Station from a postcard sent in 1904.