Indian Railways (IR) celebrated its 173rd anniversary on Thursday, commemorating a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This milestone traces back to April 16, 1853, when India’s inaugural passenger train journeyed from Bombay, now known as Mumbai, to Thane in Maharashtra, heralding a new era of transportation and connectivity.
The first passenger train embarked on its journey from the Bori Bunder station in Mumbai, which is currently recognized as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. At that time, the train services were under the operation of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR), which later merged with the Indian Midland Railway Company in 1900.
The historic significance of the first train service led to the declaration of April 16, 1853, as a public holiday in Bombay, allowing citizens to partake in the momentous inauguration of this innovative transport system, resulting in large crowds at the Bori Bunder station.
As reported by the national transporter, approximately 400 passengers boarded the train for this landmark inaugural run. The train consisted of 14 passenger coaches and was pulled by three steam locomotives named Sultan, Sindh, and Sahib.
The departure of the initial passenger train from Bombay to Thane was marked by a ceremonial 21-gun salute, symbolizing the dawn of railway transport in India. The train successfully completed the 35-kilometer journey in just 57 minutes.
Since that historic day, Indian Railways has undergone remarkable transformations, evolving from steam locomotives to diesel engines, and now to electric trains. Looking ahead, the national transporter is poised to introduce hydrogen-powered trains in the upcoming months, representing a significant advancement towards sustainable transportation. The hydrogen train is expected to operate between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
Anish Mondal, a journalist with over nine years of experience focusing on transportation sectors, is currently part of the editorial team at Indianexpress.com. His expertise lies in high-impact sectors, particularly in railways and roadways.
Anish commenced his professional journey at Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he gained crucial insights into legislative processes and governance. In 2018, he shifted to digital financial journalism with FinancialExpress.com, honing his skills in market analysis and corporate reporting for nearly six years. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he played a significant role at ETNowNews.com.
He holds a solid academic foundation in communication and the humanities, with qualifications including:
- Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University
- Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication
- Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta
Anish’s reporting encompasses extensive coverage of connectivity issues, focusing on the expansion of Indian Railways and the National Highway network.
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