For the benefit of discerning navjeevanexpress.com readers, we are carrying a series “Know Your Railway”, an initiative of the Public Relations department of Southern Railway to bring out various facts about the world’s largest public transport’s operations, manpower and infrastructure and amenities in Railway stations, etc for the awareness of all stakeholders. This is the third article in this series.
R ARIVANANTHAM
Executive Editor, navjeevanexpress.com
Royapuram Railway Station, prominently located on the Chennai Suburban Network of Southern Railway is the oldest railway station currently operational in India. Opened for traffic on 28th June 1856, Royapuram is located on the Chennai Beach – Arakkonam section in the jurisdiction of Chennai Division. Presently, 40 pairs of EMU Trains and 7 pairs of Express Trains (Non-stop) are being dealt with everyday. With a footfall of 10,500 per month, the Royapuram Halt Station registers a monthly earnings of Rs.1 lakh on an average.
Royapuram: Showcasing the rich legacy of Railways in India
Royapuram completes 166 years today and continues to be the oldest railway station operational in India
For more details about Royapuram click:https://t.co/0RiJQ5ZVJn#KnowYourRailway #SouthernRailway #heritage pic.twitter.com/6xCqnFTqV0
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) June 28, 2022
- Royapuram railway station, a jewel in the crown of Indian Railways, was opened as the main terminus on 28 June 1856 by the then Governor Lord Harris and the first railway line in South India was opened for traffic on 1st July, 1856.
- Royapuram railway station also remained the headquarters of the Madras & Southern Mahratta Railway till 1922, when the headquarters was shifted to Egmore
- The heritage structure built in classical style of the Renaissance period was designed by William Adelpi Tracey.
- The Justice Padmanabhan Committee, constituted by the Tamil Nadu state government, has identified the station as among the 800 heritage structures.
Brief history of Royapuram
The reconstitution of Madras Railway Company in the year 1849 revived the plans for a new railway line in South India. Royapuram was chosen as the location for the new station as it was on the edge of a settlement of British traders and natives near Fort St. George. Work on the southern line began in 1853 and the railway line was extended from Royapuram to Arcot, then titular capital of the Nawab of the Carnatic (the present day Walajapet, near Ranipet in Tamil Nadu). Royapuram railway station was opened as the main terminus on 28 June 1856 by the then Governor Lord Harris and the first railway line in South India was opened for traffic on 1st July, 1856.
Significance
Royapuram railway station imprinted its mark in the annals of Railways’ rich history by hosting the first passenger service in South India. On the inaugural day of the first railway line in South India, i.e. on 1st July 1856, South India’s first passenger train ran from Royapuram to Wallajah Road in Arcot, a distance of 60 miles (97 Km). The first train, manufactured by Simpson and Company, started its journey with the Governor Lord Harris and 300 European people from Royapuram to Wallajah Road (Walajapet). On the same day, one more train service was operated from Royapuram to Tiruvallur. The second train carried Indian invitees to a shorter distance till “Triveloor” (the present day Tiruvallur).
Royapuram railway station also remained the headquarters of the Madras & Southern Mahratta Railway till 1922, when the headquarters was shifted to Egmore.
Architecture
The 166-year-old Royapuram station still showcases the vestiges of its former architectural splendor. Royapuram station remains as the oldest surviving railway station structures of the Indian Railways, as well as the Indian subcontinent. The heritage structure built in classical style of the Renaissance period was designed by William Adelpi Tracey.
Royapuram station – Developmental work and future plans
In 2005, the building was refurbished at an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakhs and was re-opened to the public on October 2, 2005. Presently, one end of the station is being used for the transport of goods trains and the platform adjacent to the main building is utilized for passenger trains.
The Justice Padmanabhan committee, constituted by the Tamil Nadu state government, has identified the station as among the 800 heritage structures. As per the city’s list of heritage structures, the station is under the Grade I category which includes buildings/properties that are of exceptional national/regional importance with unique features and are the prime landmarks of the city.
Southern Railway is committed to preserve and maintain the heritage structures in its jurisdiction and Royapuram railway station will continue to be a jewel in the crown of Indian Railways as it completes 166 years on Tuesday.
