indian-railways-electric-journey-turns-100-this-february

Indian Railways is gearing up to commemorate a century of electrification on February 3, a milestone that displays its initial strides towards a greener and more sustainable transport system.

The first electric train in India ran between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) and Kurla on February 3, 1925.

The initiative came just 72 years after India’s inaugural train journey between Mumbai and Thane in 1853.

Speaking about the centenary celebrations, Swapnil Nila, Central Public Relations Officer of Indian Railways, said, “The first electric train ran between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, then known as Victoria Terminus, to Kurla. This particular train was EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) trains’ original version. It was run from platform number 2, and this was a new initiative, a greener initiative for a long-lasting change. And now Central Railway and Indian Railway are celebrating 100 years of completion of this electrification.”

 

The Central Railways has achieved 100 per cent electrification and intends to mark the milestone with a series of events starting from February 3.

 

“In this particular period, Central Railway has completed its 100 per cent electrification also, and for this we are initiating the celebrations which will be starting from the 3rd of February,” added Nila.

 

To commemorate the occasion, a range of events has been planned, including a ceremonial run, seminars, and 3D shows at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

 

“There are multiple activities planned starting from a run in the morning. Followed by a ceremonial commemoration and at the same time technical and other seminars will be organised on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on that day.

 

Afterwards, we will continue to organise the various events which have been planned, including the projections, including the three-dimensional shows,” Nila elaborated.

 

The Central Railways has also scheduled educational sessions to introduce schoolchildren to the heritage and history of Indian Railways, with an emphasis on its transformation over the decades.