Development of Railways in India

The Indian railway system seems to be the nation’s principal route for interior transportation. Railways are practically the country’s lifeline. It provides the country’s large-scale cargo and passenger traffic transportation demands, contributing to economic growth and encouraging national cohesion. Hence, they become the foundation of India’s physical transportation system. So, the development of railways in India was the primary preference for the nation. 

The Indian Railways Development – An Overview 

In April 1853, India’s first railway network was inaugurated for the public to travel between Mumbai and Thane. Then, the route stretched to Kalyan in 1854. Also, in 1856, it extended to Khopoli. Finally, in June 1858, the Khandala-Pune segment was completed and opened. Simultaneously, railway lines built in the first portion of the nation’s eastern side ran from Howrah to Hugli, covering 37 kilometers. It became operational in 1854. In 1854, the Haora-Hugli part stretched to Pundooah, and in 1855, it extended to Raniganj Coal Mines. The nation’s southern section got its first 105-kilometer railway line the following year. Meanwhile, the Haora-Khana-Rajmahal portion of the railway was completed in 1860. Following this, the route from Kanpur to Allahabad was inaugurated in 1859. 

In 1861, the railway stretched westward to Kadalundi. After that, in 1862, Mughal Sarai was also depicted on an Indian railway plan. The Kanpur-Etawah segment was inaugurated to trade in 1860, and all bottlenecks between Howrah and Delhi were repaired between 1862 and 1866. 

Finally, the operation of the all-rail connection between Kolkata and Mumbai began in 1870. The railway route between Mughal Sarai and Lahore was completed in the following year, establishing the Mumbai-Chennai railway route. 

Consequently, most of our nation’s major cities were interconnected by rail from 1853 to 1871. The overall route kilometrage in 1870 remained 7,680 kilometers, increased to 39,834 kilometers at the beginning of the century and 66,234 kilometers by 1940. 

As of 1947, Indian Railways had a total length of 65,217 kilometers, of which 10,523 kilometers were in Pakistan, leaving India with 54,694 kilometers.

India holds the second-biggest rail infrastructure position in Asia and the fourth-largest on the planet. However, India is the world’s leading country regarding passengers per kilometer generated.

Whatare the Factors Responsible for the Development of Railways in India?

Geographical, economic, and political interests are responsible for developing railways in India. Consequently, they have shaped the layout of India’s railway system.

Geographic Factor

The North Indian flat, with its level ground, dense population, and abundant farmland, helped in railway growth. However, the existence of many rivers demanded the bridge’s construction, which was costly.

In Bihar and Assam, there are perhaps no railroads in the flood-prone areas of several rivers. Moreover, Southern India’s plateau region isn’t as well-suited to railroads as the North Plain location. 

The rough Himalayan area in the north makes the zone empty of railways. However, the railroad terminals have got foothills as their house. There are several low gauge railroads in the region. A slightly elevated railroad link is proposed between Jammu and the Kashmir valley. However, Rajasthan’s sandy plains are also unsuitable for railway construction.

There was no railroad between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur until 1966. Railways, understandably, want to take the easy route.

Economic Factor

Railways seem to be more developed in financially privileged places, where there is a necessity for a train network due to commercial activities. On the other hand, Railways offer economic success to their destinations.

Due to economic ties, the saturation point of railways may be found around major rural and commercial centers, including areas with abundant mineral and farming methods.

Political Factor

The current Indian rail network is a relic of British colonialism. The British administration designed the structure of rail tracks along with paths to use India’s precious resources for the advantage of their businesses and overwhelm our national markets with finished British goods. Rail tracks interconnected many ports to promote international trade. 

Railways and Economic Growth Relationship

While talking about railways and economic growth, they have a direct relationship. Railways are the most common means of cargo and passenger mobility. It connects the nation’s economic life since Indian railways transport various products, including mineral ores, fertilizers, petrochemicals, agricultural commodities, iron, and steel. 

Railways transport everything over great distances in a timely and cost-effective manner. It boasts well-functioning rail transportation, signaling, and communication infrastructure. It is also the economic lifeblood of India, since many travelers utilize it daily, and the Indian Government receives a significant amount of revenue from railroads.

Conclusion

The Indian railway system seems to be the nation’s principal route for interior transportation. Railways are the foundation of India’s physical transportation system. So, the development of railways in India was the primary preference for the nation. Geographical, economic, and political interests are responsible for developing railways in India. Railways and economic growth have a direct relationship. Railways are the most common means of cargo and passenger mobility.