New Delhi: Indian Railways has achieved a lot since its independence. But before independence, Indian Railways was introduced to the electric train. The first electric train in India was on track on February 3, 1925. Indian Railways has since achieved a lot and has 97 per cent of its network electrified.
But there are pioneers who have played a big role in introducing electric trains in India. In this article, we discuss the pioneers of Indian Railway electrification.
A Century of Electrification
Empowering Progress Every Mile! ⚡
From the inaugural electric train to the Vande Bharat Express, Central Railway has been at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and growth.
Marking 100 years of electrification, efficiency, and… pic.twitter.com/sOuE1Qzs7S— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) February 3, 2025
Pioneers of railway electrification in India
The early days of railway electrification in India were a team effort, not just the work of one person. Engineers and managers from the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, British engineering firms like Metropolitan-Vickers and General Electric, and government leaders such as Sir Leslie Orme Wilson worked together to start a change that created India’s current large network of electric railways.
Sir Leslie Orme Wilson: A Governor’s Role in Railway Electrification
In July 1923, Wilson left his job and his seat in the House of Commons to become Governor of Bombay, where he served until 1928. In January 1929, he was honoured as a Knight Grand Commander of The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India.
Wilson and the first electric locomotive
The first electric locomotive was named after Sir Leslie Orme Wilson. He launched the first electric train service in Mumbai on February 3, 1925. This EF/1 class locomotive was built by the Swiss Locomotive Works in Winterthur and was in service until 1998.
The Great Indian Peninsula Railway: Forerunners of Indian Railways
The Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) was the predecessor of the Central Railway. Its headquarters were at Boree Bunder in Mumbai (later known as Victoria Terminus and now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus).
The GIPR Company was established on August 1, 1849, by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company Act of the UK Parliament. It started with a share capital of 50,000 pounds.
On August 21, 1847, it formally agreed with the East India Company to build and operate a 56-km railway line connecting Bombay with Khandesh and Berar, as well as other regions of India. James John Berkeley served as Chief Resident Engineer, with Charles Buchanan Ker and Robert Wilfred Graham as his assistants.
The GIPR was India’s first passenger railway, with the original 21-mile (33.8 km) stretch opening in 1853 between Bombay (Mumbai) and Tanna (now Thane). The government took over its management on July 1, 1925, and became part of the Central Railway on November 5, 1951.
GIPR and Electrification
The Harbour (Branch) line of the GIPR was the first passenger railway line to be electrified in India. The first train on this line ran on February 3, 1925, between Bombay’s Victoria Terminus and Kurla, covering 16 km. The governor of Bombay, Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, attended the ceremony. The route included the elevated section at Sandhurst Rd on the way to Kurla.
British Engineering Firms & Technological Advancement
Firms like Metropolitan-Vickers and General Electric played a key role in providing the technology and equipment needed for the electrification project. Their support ensured that the chosen system—specifically, the 1500V DC overhead system—was advanced for its time, establishing the technical standards for electric traction in India.
This article explores the pioneering individuals and organizations behind India’s first electric train in 1925. It highlights the roles of Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR), and British engineering firms like Metropolitan-Vickers and General Electric in establishing India’s early electric railway network. The article details the collaborative effort that laid the foundation for India’s extensive electrified railway system today. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
