The oldest surviving railway station of India

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Royapuram Railway Station in Chennai (erstwhile Madras) city of South India, is the oldest railway station in India that still survives.

Royapuram Railway Station is located in the Royapuram locality of North Chennai and is one of the neglected local railway stations today where we can hardly find passengers. However, not many people, even in Chennai, know that this was the second central railway station built in India and is the oldest railway station in India that still survives.

Royapuram Railway Station
On 16th April 1853, the British government started the first railway line in India between Bori Bunder and Thane. Neither the Bori Bunder nor the Thane stations survive in the original. (Bori Bunder has become the famous Bombay Victoria Terminus). However, Royapuram, from where India's second railway line started, still survives to some extent. The railway line which linked Madras (Royapuram) to Arcot (now Wallajahpet) was opened on 1st July 1856 AD. (The work started in 1853 and ended in 1856). Two trains, each with coaches made by Simpson & Co., inaugurated the service. One carried Governor Lord Harris and 300 Europeans to Amboor, and the second train took Indian invitees to Triveloor. Royapuram remained Madras (Chennai) 's main railway station till 1907 AD.

When you happen to go to North Chennai, ensure that you visit this heritage site of Royapuram Railway Station for sure.

Happy travelling.
Royapuram Railway Station

Visit my site, krishnakumartk.com, to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.


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