India Oldest Trains Still Running Strong After 100 Years

India Oldest Trains:

India’s railway system is one of the world’s largest and oldest, with a history that dates back to the colonial era. The journey began on April 16, 1853, when the first train ran from Bombay to Thane, marking the start of a transportation revolution. Since then, many trains have become symbols of India’s history, connecting people, cultures, and memories across generations.

India Oldest Trains:

Kalka Mail – India’s Oldest Running Train

The Kalka Mail, introduced in 1866, is one of the most historic trains in India. Originally known as the East Indian Railway Mail, it carried British officials between Calcutta and Shimla, the summer capital. The train even had special carriages for high-ranking officers at Howrah station. It played a major role during the British period and even witnessed the turbulence of Partition. Interestingly, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose once boarded this train during his 1941 escape. Now renamed Netaji Express, it continues to run between Howrah and Kalka, completing more than 150 years of service.

Punjab Mail – A British-Era Marvel

The Punjab Mail, first launched in 1912, was once known as Punjab Limited and was famous for being one of the fastest trains during the British era. It originally connected Bombay to Peshawar, covering around 2,500 km in 47 hours. After India’s Partition, its route was shortened to Ferozpur, but it still remains one of the oldest and most loved long-distance trains in India.

Fairy Queen – The World’s Oldest Steam Engine

The Fairy Queen, built in 1855, holds a Guinness World Record as the oldest working steam locomotive. It used to run between Delhi and Alwar, carrying passengers in colonial-style luxury. Today, it operates as a heritage train, giving tourists a glimpse of 19th-century travel charm.

Bombay Poona Mail – A Touch of Royalty

The Bombay-Poona Mail, launched in 1869, was India’s first intercity train between Mumbai and Pune. Known for its luxury and unique revolving seats, it carried both royal mail and passengers in style. It later became the Sahyadri Express in 1971, continuing its legacy on the same route.

These timeless trains are not just modes of travel but moving museums, reminding us of India’s rich railway heritage and its journey from colonial times to the present.

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