Since the advent of Railways in India, it has been an integral mode of transport and communication in the country. Over the years, from the days of the coal and steam engine of the train to the current days of metro rails and super fast trains, India has been implementing measures to develop the infrastructure of railways. Aiming towards the expansion of the network of tracks that connects the states of our country. The recent implementation of SMART coaches and technologies Rail Integrity monitor (RIM) and Loco Vision has proved to be of ease to the mode of transport.

Timeline of Indian Railways

• It was in the year 1832; the first proposal was laid down regarding the establishment of the Indian Railway in Madras. Indian Railways ran its first stretch of 21 miles, from Bombay to Thane in the year 1853. This initiative was first undertaken by Mr. George Clark, during his time in Bhandup.
• The formal inauguration of the Indian railway first took place on 16th April of 1853, which marked the transport of 14 carriages, carrying 400 people from Bori Bunder.
• On 15th April of 1854, the railway chartered its course of the journey from Howrah station to Hooghly, marking the beginning of the first public transport in India.
• Science and technology on Indian Railway marked its steps of advancements with the advent of the EIR-22 steam engine in 1855 further on to AWE 22907 in 1943.
• By 1870, the Indian railway stretched up to 9000 miles, around Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta.
• In terms of Infrastructure, the Pamban Bridge as the first sea bridge was built in the year of 1914.
• During the second world war, India saw its first course of electric engine, which further advanced in the course of science and technology in the Railways
• In the year of 1977, the first Indian railway museum was established in Delhi
• After 1980, Technology took its place upon the establishment of Indian railways. During the period between 1980-1995, luxury railways saw their prominence in India.

• Technology in the Indian Railways took its pace with the rapid rate of globalization during the 2000s. It was during this time the ticketing system started online. Metros and monorails became a prominent mode of transport within metropolitan cities. By the end of the decade, the length of tracks covered around 63.97 thousand kilometers. 

• In the last decade, several advancements were made in the field of technology, free Wifi services were installed in several railways and railway platforms.
• By the year 2021, Indian railways will have covered around 68 thousand kilometers by track.

Science and Technology – Railway

In recent times, several advancements were implemented by the Indian Railways. Railway advancement was marked in prominence not only nationally but also acclaimed critical appreciation on a global scale. In terms of infrastructure, four mega bridges have been built. Konkan Railway Corporation has come up with an Anti Collision Device, which although is in progress but still a remarkable approach along with the model of Sky bus metro, which is efficient and eco-friendly.

Conclusion

The aforementioned facts about the Indian Railways state the remarkable rate of progress over the time, Indian railway system. From the days of steam engines to the usage of electrical engines of high horsepower, the Indian Railway has come a long way to be considered one of the best in the service across the world. Over time, India has attained several historical achievements and recognition. Indian Railways has been in touch with other foreign Railways, like Austria and several conferences are held that ensure a cordial relationship on the global stage that would promote and enhance further growth of progress in the infrastructure and technological advancements of Indian Railways.