The oldest surviving railway station of India

Royapuram Railway Station in Chennai (erstwhile Madras) city of South India is the oldest railway station of India which 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 you can hardly find passengers. However, not many of the people even in Chennai city know that this was the second major railway station built in India, and this is the oldest railway station of India which still survives.

Royapuram Railway Station

In 16th April 1853, the first railway line of India was started between Bori Bunder to Thane by British government, which ruled India during that time. 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 in 1st July 1856 AD. (The work started in 1853 and ended by 1856). Two trains, each with coaches made by Simpson & Co., inaugurated the service. One carried the Governor Lord Harris and 300 Europeans to Amboor, and the second train took Indian invitees to Triveloor. Royapuram remained as the main railway station of Madras (Chennai) city 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

Fast Facts:
Site Name: Royapuram Railway Station 
Site Type: Heritage site, Railway station
Location: Royapuram, Chennai city, Tamil Nadu state, India 
Highlights: The oldest surviving railway station of India
Nearest Railway Station: Chennai - well connected from the cities/towns all over India

Nearest Airport: Chennai has both national and international airports
How to reach: Easily reachable by road, train, and flight
Hotel: Many star hotels, luxury hotels/resorts, and budget hotels are available in Chennai
Restaurants: All options - vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Chinese, South Indian, Gujarati, North Indian, Punjabi,....- you can find everything in Chennai city

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