Heritage

Indian Railway History

Setting up a railway system in British India, criss-crossing the vast expanse of the subcontinent , was first proposed in 1832. Rail travel was still in its infancy in Britain itself, but the East India Company saw clearly the benefits of developing an extensive rail network. After over a decade of inaction on the matter in 1844, private entrepreneurs were allowed to launch a rail system by Lord Hardinge, the Governor-General of India.

Heritage Railways

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the world’s oldest mountain steam train. Opened in 1881, with careful maintenance and loving care, it remains still in active service. The track gauge is 61cm. The last stop, Darjeeling, is at 2143 metres. It takes eight hours to climb the 2000 metres between.

 

darjeeling Railway