Question

Explain the development of railways in India?

Answer 1

• The first railway line in India was from Bombay (V.T) to Thane, a distance of 34 km, opened on 16th April, 1853.
• It was followed by a railway line in 1856, from Madras to Arkonam (70 km).
• A Railway line in 1874 from Kolkata to Raniganj (180 km).
• Then gradually railway lines were constructed to link different parts of the country.
• At the time of Independence, the length of the railway line was 54,96 km.
• During post-Independence **, because of the Five year plans, the Indian railway has recorded spectacular progress.
• There were 43 steam, 4,963 diesel and 3585 electric locomotives 55,065 coaches 2,11,763 wagons.
• The trains moved everyday through more than 7,030 stations.
• On an average they carried 17 million passengers and 2.8 million lakh tones of freight every day.
• At present all the rail operations in India are managed by Ministry of Indian railways.
• The country’* railways is about 64,460 km of length which is fourth largest railway network in the world and first in Asia.
• It has transported 7651 million passengers and 921 million tonnes of frieght annually.
• The Network operates 28 states and 3 union territories.