You’re absolutely right! The Bori Bunder–Thane line is a cornerstone of Indian railway history. Here’s a detailed look at those first railway stations and the historic inaugural journey:
Date: April 16, 1853
Route: Bori Bunder (Mumbai CST today) → Thane
Distance: 34 km (21 miles)
Train Composition: 14 carriages pulled by three steam locomotives—Sultan, Sindh, and Sahib
Passengers: About 400, including dignitaries from the East India Company and invited guests
- Bori Bunder
Located in Mumbai, served as the starting point
Later developed into Victoria Terminus and is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site today
- Byculla
One of the earliest suburban stations
Still operational and an important stop on Mumbai’s Central line
Known for its classic architecture and one of Mumbai’s oldest surviving station buildings
- Sion
A small stop during the original journey
Still exists as a suburban station on the Central Railway line
- Thane
The first railway terminus of India’s passenger train
Has grown into a major junction in the Mumbai suburban and long-distance network
Also home to a railway museum commemorating the 1853 journey
Marked the beginning of the Indian Railways
The successful run paved the way for railway expansion across India
Boosted trade, transport, communication, and ultimately the economic growth of colonial India
April 16 is celebrated as Indian Railways Day in commemoration of this historic journey
The original route has become a part of the bustling Mumbai Suburban Railway Network, one of the busiest in the world
