Howrah-Delhi main line
Encyclopedia
The Howrah-Delhi main line is a railway line connecting Delhi and Kolkata cutting across northern India. The 1532 kilometres (951.9 mi) railway line was opened to traffic in 1866 with the introduction of the 1 Dn/ 2 Up Mail.The first Rajdhani Express
, the most prestigious train of the country, had its maiden run on this line in 1969.The broad gauge
track was electrified in 1976-1977.
in England. The Governor General Lord Dalhousie
foresaw a tremendous potential for the speedy means of transport in securing British control over a vast country, not only in moving goods and people but also in the movement of the armed forces.
The East Indian Railway Company
which was formed on 1 June 1845, completed its survey for a railway line from Kolkata, then called Calcutta, to Delhi via Mirzapur in 1846. The company initially became defunct on refusal of government guarantee, which was given in 1849. Thereafter, an agreement was signed between East Indian Railway Company and the East India Company, for the construction and operation of an “experimental” line between Kolkata and Rajmahal, which would later be extended to Delhi via Mirzapur. Construction began in 1851.
Howrah station was a tin shed and to reach it from Kolkata one had to cross the Hooghly in a ferry. On 15 August 1854, the first passenger train in the eastern section was operated up to Hooghly
, 39 kilometres (24.2 mi) away. On 1 February 1855 the first train ran from Hooghly to Raniganj
, 195 kilometres (121.2 mi) from Howrah.
The line was extended up to Rajmahal
in October 1859, crossing Ajay River
on the way. From Rajmahal, construction progressed rapidly, moving westward along the banks of the Ganges, reaching Bhagalpur
in 1861, Munger
in February 1862, and opposite Varanasi
(across the Ganges) in December 1862 and then on to Naini on the bank of the Yamuna
. The work included EIR’s first tunnel at Jamalpur
and first major bridge
across the Son River
at Arrah
.
During 1863-64, work progressed rapidly on the Allahabad
-Kanpur-Tundla
and Aligarh-Ghaziabad
sections. The Yamuna bridge near Delhi was completed in 1864 and EIR established the Delhi terminus. On 1 August 1864, coaches were ferried across the Yamuna at Allahabad to allow the first through train to travel from Kolkata to Delhi. The Yamuna bridge at Allahabad opened on 15 August 1865 and in 1866 Kolkata and Delhi were directly linked. The 1 Dn/ 2 Up Mail, predecessor of the Kalka Mail
, started running.
On 6 December 1906, the Grand Chord
line from Sitarampur
to Mughalsarai
via Gaya
, which shortened further the Kolkata-New Delhi distance, was inaugurated by the Earl of Minto
, the Viceroy and Governor-General of India. It was thrown open to traffic in 1907. The total Howrah-New Delhi distance, via Grand Chord is 1448 kilometres (899.7 mi), as against 1532 kilometres (951.9 mi) of the Mian line,and 2150 kilometres (1,336 mi) via Sahibganj Loop
.
EIR constructed the Delhi Junction building in 1903. It then had 12 broad gauge and 3 metre gauge platforms. Howrah terminus was rebuilt as the largest railway station in india in 1905.
, Danapur
, Allahabad
, Lucknow
and Moradabad
.
On 14 April 1952, Jawaharlal Nehru
, the Prime Minister of India, inaugurated two new zones of the first six zones of the Indian Railways
. One of them, the Northern Railways had the three "up-stream" divisions of East Indian Railway: Allahabad, Lucknow and Moradabad, while the other, the Eastern Railways had the three "down-stream" divisions: Howrah, Asansol and Danapur and the complete Bengal Nagpur Railway.Eastern Railway also had the Sealdah division, which it had acquired from the truncated Assam Bengal Railway at the time of partition.
South Eastern Railway was carved out of Eastern Railway on 1 August 1955. East Central Railway was created on 1 October 2002 with separation of three divisions – Dhanbad, Mughalsarai and Danapur- of Eastern Railway.
had its maiden run from Howrah as a bi-weekly. Subsequently it has become a daily.
While Rajdhani Express takes around nineteen hours to travel from Delhi to Howrah and vice versa, some of the other fast trains such as Poorva, Kalka Mail, New Delhi Express and Sampark Kranti Express take around twenty-three hours. Some of the slower trains such as Toofan Express and Lal Quila, with more frequent stoppages, take around thirty hours.
See also – High-speed rail in India
, Duronto Express
Rajdhani Express
Rajdhani Express is a passenger train service in India connecting New Delhi with other important destinations, especially state capitals. Rajdhani means "The Capital" in Hindi.- History :...
, the most prestigious train of the country, had its maiden run on this line in 1969.The broad gauge
Broad gauge
Broad-gauge railways use a track gauge greater than the standard gauge of .- List :For list see: List of broad gauges, by gauge and country- History :...
track was electrified in 1976-1977.
The first 1 Dn/ 2 Up Mail
Railway transportation was introduced in India within 30 years of its maiden runStockton and Darlington Railway
The Stockton and Darlington Railway , which opened in 1825, was the world's first publicly subscribed passenger railway. It was 26 miles long, and was built in north-eastern England between Witton Park and Stockton-on-Tees via Darlington, and connected to several collieries near Shildon...
in England. The Governor General Lord Dalhousie
James Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie
James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie KT, PC was a Scottish statesman, and a colonial administrator in British India....
foresaw a tremendous potential for the speedy means of transport in securing British control over a vast country, not only in moving goods and people but also in the movement of the armed forces.
The East Indian Railway Company
East Indian Railway Company
The East Indian Railway Company, later known as the East Indian Railway , introduced railways to eastern and northern India, while the Companies such as the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, South Indian Railway, Central India Railway and the North-Western Railway operated in other parts of India...
which was formed on 1 June 1845, completed its survey for a railway line from Kolkata, then called Calcutta, to Delhi via Mirzapur in 1846. The company initially became defunct on refusal of government guarantee, which was given in 1849. Thereafter, an agreement was signed between East Indian Railway Company and the East India Company, for the construction and operation of an “experimental” line between Kolkata and Rajmahal, which would later be extended to Delhi via Mirzapur. Construction began in 1851.
Hugli-Chuchura
Hugli-Chuchura is a city in the state of West Bengal, India. It lies on the Hooghly River, 35 km north of Kolkata . It is located in the district of Hugli and is home to the district headquarters. Chuchura houses the Commissioner of the Burdwan Range...
, 39 kilometres (24.2 mi) away. On 1 February 1855 the first train ran from Hooghly to Raniganj
Raniganj
Raniganj is a city and a municipality in Bardhaman district in the Indian state of West Bengal.-Geography:Raniganj is located at . It has an average elevation of 91 metres ....
, 195 kilometres (121.2 mi) from Howrah.
The line was extended up to Rajmahal
Rajmahal
Rajmahal is a city and a notified area in Sahibganj district in the Indian state of Jharkhand. Rajmahal is the only sub-divisional town in Sahibganj district. It is one of the most historic place in Jharkhand...
in October 1859, crossing Ajay River
Ajay River
The Ajay River is a major river in Jharkhand and West Bengal. The word “Ajay” means “not conquered”.-Geography:The Ajay River originates on a small hill about 300 metres high, south west of Munger in Bihar. It then flows through Jharkhand and enters West Bengal at Simjuri, near Chittaranjan...
on the way. From Rajmahal, construction progressed rapidly, moving westward along the banks of the Ganges, reaching Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur
Bhagdattpuram was one of the most influential towns in "Aryavarta" . It is supposed to have been concurrent to Patliputra or Patna. Bhagdattpuram finds its mention in the Vedas and Ramayana as well. It is supposed to be the kingdom of Daanvir Karna, the son of Kunti and the Sun God...
in 1861, Munger
Munger
Munger town is the headquarters of Munger district, in the Indian state of Bihar. Historically, Munger is known for its manufacturing of iron articles such as firearms and swords. One of the major institutions in Munger is Bihar School of Yoga. It is one of the foremost learning center in the...
in February 1862, and opposite Varanasi
Varanasi
-Etymology:The name Varanasi has its origin possibly from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi, for the old city lies in the north shores of the Ganga bounded by its two tributaries, the Varuna and the Asi, with the Ganges being to its south...
(across the Ganges) in December 1862 and then on to Naini on the bank of the Yamuna
Yamuna
The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges in northern India...
. The work included EIR’s first tunnel at Jamalpur
Jamalpur
Jamalpur may refer to:Bangladesh* Jamalpur District* Jamalpur Sadar UpazilaIndia* Jamalpur, Munger, Bihar* Jamalpur, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh* Jamalpur , West Bengal...
and first major bridge
Koilwar bridge
Koilwar Bridge, now named Abdul Bari Bridge, at Koilwar spans the River Sone. The bridge has been named after Professor Abdul Bari.The Koilwar Bridge is amongst the older of the longer bridges in this subcontinent. Although construction started in 1856, it was disrupted by uprisings in 1857 and...
across the Son River
Son River
Son River of central India is the largest of the Ganges' southern tributaries. A British 1850s diary shows that the river was written in English as Soane.-Course:...
at Arrah
Arrah
Arrah is a city and a municipal corporation in Bhojpur district in the state of Bihar, India. The actual name of Arrah is Ara but it was misspelt by the British and now corrected to Ara but still known as Arrah in many records. It is the district headquarters of Bhojpur district, located near the...
.
During 1863-64, work progressed rapidly on the Allahabad
Allahabad
Allahabad , or Settled by God in Persian, is a major city of India and is one of the main holy cities of Hinduism. It was renamed by the Mughals from the ancient name of Prayaga , and is by some accounts the second-oldest city in India. It is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh,...
-Kanpur-Tundla
Tundla
Tundla is a town and a municipal board in Firozabad district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.- Geographic :Tundla is located at 27.2° N 78.28° E[1]. It has an average elevation of 168 metres . Tundla is 24 km away from the city of Taj Mahal, Agra...
and Aligarh-Ghaziabad
Ghaziabad
Ghaziabad is a planned industrial city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is 19 km east of Delhi and 46 km southwest of Meerut. The city houses the headquarters of the Ghaziabad district...
sections. The Yamuna bridge near Delhi was completed in 1864 and EIR established the Delhi terminus. On 1 August 1864, coaches were ferried across the Yamuna at Allahabad to allow the first through train to travel from Kolkata to Delhi. The Yamuna bridge at Allahabad opened on 15 August 1865 and in 1866 Kolkata and Delhi were directly linked. The 1 Dn/ 2 Up Mail, predecessor of the Kalka Mail
Kalka Mail
Kalka Mail is the name of a train in India connecting Howrah near Calcutta in the eastern state of West Bengal to Kalka, the railhead for Simla, the hill station and one-time summer capital of India.-Speed:...
, started running.
The “shorter main line”
With the completion of the 406 kilometres (252.3 mi) long line connecting Raniganj with Kiul in 1871, a “shorter main line” was in position. Initially, it was called the chord line. However, as it attracted more traffic it was designated the main line and the original line became the Sahibganj loop.On 6 December 1906, the Grand Chord
Grand Chord
Grand Chord- also known as The Life line of India is a section of the Indian Railways and is one of the two parts of the main Delhi-Howrah route. It acts as a link between Sitarampur, and Mughal Sarai, Uttar Pradesh, and covers a stretch of 450 km...
line from Sitarampur
Sitarampur
Sitarampur , a small township just off the Asansol-Dhanbad stretch of the Grand Trunk Road, was one of the early hubs of coal mining activity. Coal was found in abundance around Sitarampur in the early years of the 19th century and mining started at this place in a big way...
to Mughalsarai
Mughalsarai
Mughalsarai is a city and a municipal board in Chandauli district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Located around 10 km from Varanasi, it is an important railway junction of the Indian Railways. Once, it enjoyed the position of the largest railway marshalling yard of Asia...
via Gaya
Gaya, India
Gaya is the second largest city of Bihar, India, and it is also the headquarters of Gaya District.Gaya is 100 kilometers south of Patna, the capital city of Bihar. Situated on the banks of Falgu River , it is a place sanctified by both the Hindu and the Buddhist religions...
, which shortened further the Kolkata-New Delhi distance, was inaugurated by the Earl of Minto
Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto
Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto was a British nobleman and politician who served as Governor General of Canada, the eighth since Canadian Confederation, and as Viceroy and Governor-General of India, the country's 17th.-Early life and career:Minto was born in London, the...
, the Viceroy and Governor-General of India. It was thrown open to traffic in 1907. The total Howrah-New Delhi distance, via Grand Chord is 1448 kilometres (899.7 mi), as against 1532 kilometres (951.9 mi) of the Mian line,and 2150 kilometres (1,336 mi) via Sahibganj Loop
Sahibganj Loop
The Sahibganj Loop is a railway line connecting Khana Junction and Kiul Junction. Originally a part of the Howrah-Delhi main line, it was opened to traffic in 1866...
.
New buildings
A pontoon bridge was built across the Hooghly River in 1874 to provide easy access to Howrah Station.EIR constructed the Delhi Junction building in 1903. It then had 12 broad gauge and 3 metre gauge platforms. Howrah terminus was rebuilt as the largest railway station in india in 1905.
Reorganisation
On 1 January 1925 the British Indian Government took over the management of the East Indian Railway and divided it into six divisions: Howrah, AsansolAsansol
Asansol is a coal mining and industrial metropolis and one of the busiest commercial centres in India. It is the second largest city and urban agglomeration in West Bengal after Kolkata and the 19th largest urban agglomeration in India. Asansol is located in the western part of the Burdwan...
, Danapur
Danapur
Danapur , sometimes known as Dinapur or Dinapore is a satellite town of Patna in Bihar state of India. It is located on the bank of the River Sone which merges with River Ganges at Digha a few kilometers from Danapur...
, Allahabad
Allahabad
Allahabad , or Settled by God in Persian, is a major city of India and is one of the main holy cities of Hinduism. It was renamed by the Mughals from the ancient name of Prayaga , and is by some accounts the second-oldest city in India. It is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh,...
, Lucknow
Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh in India. Lucknow is the administrative headquarters of Lucknow District and Lucknow Division....
and Moradabad
Moradabad
Moradabad is a city and a municipal corporation in Moradabad district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1600 by prince Murad, the son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan; as a result the city came to be known as Moradabad. It is the administrative headquarters of...
.
On 14 April 1952, Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru , often referred to with the epithet of Panditji, was an Indian statesman who became the first Prime Minister of independent India and became noted for his “neutralist” policies in foreign affairs. He was also one of the principal leaders of India’s independence movement in the...
, the Prime Minister of India, inaugurated two new zones of the first six zones of the Indian Railways
Indian Railways
Indian Railways , abbreviated as IR , is a departmental undertaking of Government of India, which owns and operates most of India's rail transport. It is overseen by the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India....
. One of them, the Northern Railways had the three "up-stream" divisions of East Indian Railway: Allahabad, Lucknow and Moradabad, while the other, the Eastern Railways had the three "down-stream" divisions: Howrah, Asansol and Danapur and the complete Bengal Nagpur Railway.Eastern Railway also had the Sealdah division, which it had acquired from the truncated Assam Bengal Railway at the time of partition.
South Eastern Railway was carved out of Eastern Railway on 1 August 1955. East Central Railway was created on 1 October 2002 with separation of three divisions – Dhanbad, Mughalsarai and Danapur- of Eastern Railway.
Electrification
In August 1976, the New Delhi-Howrah route was the first trunk route in the country to be completely electrified for AC traction.Rajdhani Express
On 3 March 1969, Rajdhani ExpressRajdhani Express
Rajdhani Express is a passenger train service in India connecting New Delhi with other important destinations, especially state capitals. Rajdhani means "The Capital" in Hindi.- History :...
had its maiden run from Howrah as a bi-weekly. Subsequently it has become a daily.
While Rajdhani Express takes around nineteen hours to travel from Delhi to Howrah and vice versa, some of the other fast trains such as Poorva, Kalka Mail, New Delhi Express and Sampark Kranti Express take around twenty-three hours. Some of the slower trains such as Toofan Express and Lal Quila, with more frequent stoppages, take around thirty hours.
See also – High-speed rail in India
High-speed rail in India
India has one of the largest rail networks in the world. As of 2011, India does not have any high-speed rail lines capable of supporting speeds of or more, and none is under construction or subject to definite plans, only of longer-term proposals....
, Duronto Express
Duronto Express
Duronto Express is a category of long distance trains on Indian Railways. The special feature of these trains is that they run non-stop from source to destination, barring technical halts. All Duronto Express trains can be easily recognized by the characteristic yellow-green livery of their...