It was on April 16, 1853, when the first train in India started its journey from Bombay to Thane. However, 167 years later, for the first time, the transporter did not ferry any passenger due to the national lockdown amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Indian Railways has undergone a drastic change ever since it began its services.
ALSO READ: COVID-19: From lifts to masks, MHA issues ‘Work from Office’ guidelines
From catering to the colonial interest which allowed the transport of raw materials to the ports, to becoming a tool that unified the country, the Indian railways presently is the largest public employer in the world.
The Railway Ministry on Twitter said, “The journey of Indian Railways continues since last 167 years.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY INDIAN RAILWAYS.”
From Steam Engine to Train Set !
The journey of Indian Railways continues since last 167 years..
-16th April 1853
HAPPY BIRTHDAY INDIAN RAILWAYS !! pic.twitter.com/pBbCzD1THf
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 16, 2020
First train started from Bori Bunder(Mumbai) in 1853
Station building constructed at the same location and named as Victoria Terminus in 1887, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996 and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in 2017
Memories preserved in Rail Museum inside building pic.twitter.com/WOkQ0dluyw
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 16, 2020
Railways Minister Piyush Goyal also tweeted saying that the railways have been stopped for the safety of the people.
Serving the Nation Since 1853: 167 years ago, 1st passenger train was flagged off from Mumbai to Thane.
After a long & glorious service, for the 1st time operations have paused for safety of nation.
I thank people for cooperating amid the pandemic. We will emerge victorious. pic.twitter.com/wZLJqHdqNy
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 16, 2020
The only other time railways services were stopped was in 1974 for a few days due to a strike by the employees.
The transporter has expanded in the last few years and reached parts of the North East and enhanced its connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir.
Ever since the lockdown has come into effect on March 25, the railways suspended its services till May 3. Around 15,523 trains catering to over 20 million passengers every day have been impacted.
As per the latest figures by the health ministry, the death toll due to the virus reached 437 and the total number of cases were at 13,387.