History of Indian Railways
The Indian Railways is a Government of India body which is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the entire rail network in India. As far as rail transport in India is concerned, it enjoys total monopoly. More than 17 million passengers avail the transport facilities offered by the Indian Railways.
History of Railway in India- Important Years
- 1832- Plans were proposed to introduce a rail network in India.
- 1844- Private entrepreneurs set up a private rail system in India.
- 1851- Trains became operational.
- 1853- Passenger trains were introduced.
- 1875- 95 million pounds were invested into Indian railways by British companies.
- 1895- Indian locomotives began to operate in the country.
- 1901- A Railway Board was established.
- 1907- The government obtained total control over most of the rail companies.
- 1908- First electric locomotive was introduced.
- 1947- 40% of the railway network came under Pakistan's possession.
History of Indian Railways- Important Years
After India obtained independence from the British, the rail network in the country was christened as the Indian Railways.
- 1951- Nationalization of the rail system in India took place.
- 1952- Six railway zones were introduced.
- 1995- Steam locomotives became obsolete. Only diesel and electric locomotives were operational.
- 1987-1995- The Indian Railways reservation system was computerised.
The Indian Railways now operates one of the world's largest rail networks. On an annual basis, more than 17 million passengers avail the transport services offered by the Indian Railways. The employment opportunities generated by the Indian Railways is also quite remarkable. Over 1.6 million employees work under the payrolls of the Indian Railways.
