Central Railway (CR) is celebrating its 74th year of formation, tracing its roots back to the Great Indian Peninsula (GIP) Railway, which initiated railway history in India with the first train running between Mumbai and Thane on April 16, 1853. Over the years, the GIP Railway expanded its reach significantly, merging with the Indian Midland Railway Company in 1900 and connecting Bombay to various parts of India, covering a route mileage of 1,600 miles at its peak.
Established on November 5, 1951, CR was formed by integrating the Nizam State, Scindia State, and Dholpur State Railways with the GIP Railway. In 2003, CR underwent a reorganisation, consolidating its eight divisions into five and creating seven additional zones. This restructuring led to the incorporation of Jabalpur and Bhopal Divisions into West Central Railway, and Jhansi Division joining North Central Railway. Today, CR operates with five divisions: Mumbai, Bhusaval, Nagpur, Solapur, and Pune, covering a network of 4,219 route km across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, serving a total of 492 stations.
Throughout its 74-year journey, CR has achieved significant milestones, such as introducing the first Shatabdi Express, the first Jan Shatabdi Express, and the first Tejas Express. The railway has also made remarkable progress in development, with originating loading increasing from 16.58 metric tonnes at its formation to 89.24 million tonnes in 2023-24, marking the highest loading in CR’s history. Passenger numbers have also seen a steep rise, from 224 million in 1951 to 1,583 million in the financial year 2023-24.
Mumbai’s suburban services, crucial to the city’s transport network, have shown steady growth over the years. What began with three-coach trains has now evolved to services with nine, 12, and even 15 coaches, along with the introduction of AC suburban services for enhanced comfort. Currently, CR operates 1,850 suburban services, with the majority in Mumbai and some in Pune. The railway is also actively working on significant infrastructure projects, including the construction of new railway lines, doubling and electrification initiatives, and the development of new stations. Notably, a record 348 km of multi-tracking was completed during the financial year 2023-24.
As Central Railway commemorates its 74th Foundation Day, it reflects on its rich history, achievements, and ongoing efforts to enhance railway services and infrastructure for the benefit of passengers and the regions it serves. The journey of CR from its inception to its current position as a vital railway network in India is a testament to the dedication and progress of the railway industry in the country.
