1. The novel plan for the introduction of a rail system, transformed the whole
history of India. This innovative plan was first proposed in 1832; however no auxiliary
actions were taken for over a decade. In the year 1844, private entrepreneurs were
allowed to launch a rail system by Lord Hardinge, who was the Governor-General of India.
By the year 1845, two companies were formed and the East India Company was
requested to support them in the matter.
The credit from the UK investors led to the hasty construction of a rail system over the
next few years. On 22nd Dec' 1851, the first train came on the track to carry the
construction material at Roorkee in India. With a passage of one and a half years, the first
passenger train service was introduced between Bori Bunder, Bombay and Thana on the
providential date 16th Apr' 1853. This rail track covered a distance of 34 kms (21 miles).
Ever since its origin, the rail service in India never turned back.
The British Government approached private investors and persuaded them to join the race
with a system that would promise an annual return of 5% during the early years of
operation. Once finished, the company would be transferred under the Government
ownership, yet the operational control will be enjoyed by the original company. In 1880,
Indian Railway History
the rail network acquired a route mileage of about 14,500 km (9,000 miles), mostly
working through Bombay, Madras and Calcutta (three major port cities).
By 1895, India had started manufacturing its own locomotives. In no time, different
kingdoms assembled their independent rail systems and the network extended to the
regions including Assam, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. In 1901, a Railway Board was
formed though the administrative power was reserved for the Viceroy, Lord Curzon. The
Railway Board worked under the guidance of the Deptt of Commerce and Industry. It was
comprised of three members - a Chairman, a Railway Manager and an Agent
respectively.
For the very first time in its history, the Railways instigated to draw a neat profit. In 1907,
most of the rail companies were came under the government control. Subsequently, the
first electric locomotive emerged in the next year. During the First World War, the railways
were exclusively used by the British. In view of the War, the condition of railways became
miserable. In 1920, the Government captured the administration of the Railways and the
linkage between the funding of the Railways and other governmental revenues was
detached.
With the Second World War, the railways got incapacitated since the trains were diverted
to the Middle East. On the occasion of India's Independence in 1947, the maximum share
of the railways went under the terrain of Pakistan. On the whole, 42 independent railway
systems with thirty-two lines were merged in a single unit and were acknowledged as
Indian Railways. The existing rail networks were forfeited for zones in 1951 and 6 zones
were formed in 1952. With 1985, the diesel and electric locomotives took the place of
steam locomotives. In 1995, the whole railway reservation system was rationalized with
computerization.
