Indian Railways: 171 Years of Celebrations. A Journey Through History
On April 16, 1853, India embarked on a transformative journey with the inauguration of its first passenger train service. Laying the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most extensive railway networks. Over the span of 171 years, the Indian Railways has emerged as the backbone of the nation’s transportation system. Facilitating the daily commute of 1.8 crore passengers.
With a sprawling network of 7,000 railway stations and 1.35 lakh kilometers of rail tracks. Indian Railways operates a staggering 16,000 trains that traverse the length and breadth of the country. Boasting the title of the largest employer in India, the railway system employs a workforce of 14 lakh individuals.
Hyderabad, nestled within the South Central Railway, holds a unique place in the annals of railway history. In 1855, the Nizam government made a significant investment to establish the Nizam State Railways. The inaugural line, connecting Hyderabad to Wadi, commenced operations in 1874, marking a milestone in the region’s transportation infrastructure. Kacheguda emerged as the headquarters of the Nizam State Railways. With the construction of its iconic railway station in 1916 further solidifying its importance.
In 1930, the Nizam State Railways underwent a transformation, rebranding as the “His Highness the Nizam Guaranteed State Railways.” Reflecting on the historical significance of Kacheguda railway station, K. Balaji, the Station Director, highlighted its architectural grandeur often mistaken for a palace by visitors.
Indian Railways: 171 Years of Celebrations. A Journey Through History
The railway station precincts are home to a captivating rail museum, meticulously curated to preserve and showcase the rich heritage of the region’s railways. Visitors are treated to a journey through time, with vintage photographs, prototypes, and signaling equipment dating back to the Nizam era.
Among the museum’s prized exhibits are prototypes such as the B777, one of the initial 4B class steam locomotives utilized in the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railways since 1881. Another notable display is the XGM 911, a 161-ton locomotive manufactured by Beer Peacock & Co., imported by the NW Railway for shunting purposes.
The museum offers a comprehensive exploration of railway history, featuring an array of rolling stock prototypes and rescue devices utilized by the Indian Railways. Through working models, historic tickets, and archival photographs, visitors can immerse themselves in the nostalgia of yesteryears, gaining insight into the evolution of the railway system.