India’s First Train Travel From Bombay To Thana In 1853, Photo
This is one of the rarest photos of the first train travel in India, from Bombay to Thana in 1853. It is rubber-stamped “Government of India” on the reverse. The photo shows India’s first railway train passing over the original Thana Bridge. The formal inauguration ceremony was performed in April 1853. When 14 railway carriages carrying about 400 guests left Bori Bunder at 3.30 pm.
Amidst the loud applause of a vast multitude and the salute of 21 guns. The group reached Thana at about 4-45 pm where refreshments were served. The first locomotive in action gave the native population a cultural shock. It gave rise to strange ideas and strange rumours. They were confident that the monster would soon spread its ill effects on society. Bori Bunder, where the journey began, is India’s grandest railway station Victoria Terminus, now officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Did you know – in November 1852, the railway company’s directors with some other guests travelled in the first train from Bombay to Thana covering the distance of 21 miles (34 km).
Past posts – Lake & House On A Serene Moonlit Night, 1944 Painting., The Once Charming Electric Trams of Madras – 3 Photos 1900., 16th Century Malabar Coast Sailing Ships – 2 Old Postcards., Bombay War Charity WW1 In British India – Old Print 1917.
