HISTORY
History of Indian Railways
More than 170 years of growth — from a single line near Mumbai to a network spanning the country.
1853
India's first passenger train ran from Bori Bunder in Bombay, now Mumbai, to Thane on 16 April 1853, beginning the era of passenger railways in India.1854
The first passenger train in eastern India began operating between Howrah and Hooghly on 15 August 1854.1881
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway opened its line into the Himalayan hills, demonstrating how railway engineering could connect difficult mountainous regions.1895
The Ajmer Workshop of the Rajputana Malwa Railway produced the first steam locomotive built in India.1925
India's first electric train began operating between Bombay Victoria Terminus and Kurla on 3 February 1925.1936
Air-conditioning was introduced in railway passenger coaches in India.1950
Production of steam locomotives began at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works.1961
Diesel Locomotive Works was established at Varanasi, while Chittaranjan Locomotive Works began manufacturing electric locomotives.1969
The first Rajdhani Express was introduced between New Delhi and Howrah, beginning a new era of premium high-speed long-distance passenger services.1988
The first Shatabdi Express was introduced between New Delhi and Jhansi, creating a new generation of fast daytime intercity trains.1998
The Konkan Railway became fully operational, creating a direct railway corridor along India's western coast.2006
Indian Railways introduced Garib Rath trains to provide lower-cost air-conditioned long-distance travel.2016
Gatimaan Express was launched between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Agra Cantt as India's first semi-high-speed train, capable of operating at up to 160 km/h.2019
Vande Bharat Express, India's first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed self-propelled trainset, began passenger operations.2023
Indian Railways introduced the Amrit Bharat Express, a new generation of modern non-air-conditioned long-distance trains designed around affordable mass passenger travel.