Opening Of The Madras Railway – Old Print 1856
This is an old print of the opening of the Madras or Chennai Railway. It is from “The Illustrated London News” (newspaper) dating to 6th Sept. 1856. This is about the Royapuram station in Chennai. Extracts from the newspaper- “Madras Railway was celebrated with the great state on the 28th June. This is as mentioned in the Illustrated London News article.
The attendees were the Governor, officers, and staff of the Garrison of Fort St George. Including all the elite and beauty of the Presidency. Thousands flocking to witness the proceedings and view the ceremony and the train from any suitable point they could find. They issued 300 invitations of the leading European society to witness the ceremony and to take a trip.
The trip was up to Amoor (Ambur) up to which the railway was completed. In Amoor, they were to return in the evening after partaking of a grand lunch. They dispatched another train after the departure of the first one to a nearer station–Triveloor (Thiruvallur). This was for the principal members of the native community of Madras.
Who were also invited to join the excursion…” Read about Royapuram’s tryst with royalty. See also my post- Antique Print First Passenger Train From Bombay to Thane 1853
Did you know- with over a million people, India’s Railways is one of the largest employers in the world.
More from the collection- Antique Print Illuminating Bombay In Honor of Queen Victoria., Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Saraswati” Oleograph., Vintage Postcard British Monarchs Delhi Durbar 1911., Photo Jama Masjid Agra 1890., Plan of Chennai Fort St George 1782., Book: Le Cid By Corneille French Classic
