Central Railway marked a historic milestone by celebrating 100 years of railway electrification in India. The first electric train in the country was flagged off on February 3, 1925, from Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, CSMT) to Kurla, revolutionizing railway transport. To commemorate this centenary, Central Railway organized an exhibition at CSMT, showcasing the remarkable journey of electric trains over the past century.
The exhibition not only highlights the evolution of Mumbai’s suburban local trains but also sheds light on the advancements in electric locomotives and the overall progress of Indian Railways. The event received an overwhelming response from railway enthusiasts and the general public.
Railway enthusiast Dipesh Hudda (34) described the exhibition as “very knowledgeable and insightful,” while another visitor, Sheetal Mahatre, praised the event for its engaging and informative presentation of railway history.
As part of the celebrations, Dharam Veer Meena, General Manager of Central Railway, led a Walkathon at Marine Drive, where enthusiastic participants proudly chanted, “We are Indian Railways, we completed 100 years!” The event underscored the significance of railway electrification and its contribution to India’s transportation sector.
The centenary celebrations serve as a tribute to the technological advancements that have made Indian Railways one of the largest and most efficient railway networks in the world.
The exhibition also featured informative display boards, a short film, miniature working models, and various exhibits highlighting technological advancements.
The celebrations commenced with a Walkathon, where over 250 participants walked through the rich history of Indian Railways.
A grand function was organized at CSMT, with Dharam Veer Meena, General Manager, as the Chief Guest. During the event, he felicitated retired officers who had served Central Railway as General Managers and Principal Chief Electrical Engineers, recognizing their invaluable contributions.
The occasion also saw the inauguration of a short film narrating the saga of 100 years of Railway Electrification. A detailed presentation on "The Journey of Electrification" was delivered by Vineet Kumar, Chief Electrical Engineer (Construction).
Additionally, leading industry players, including Tata Power, Siemens, Alstom, Wabtec, and the Rail Fan Club, made insightful presentations on the theme of electrification.
Speaking on the occasion, Dharam Veer Meena remarked, "Today, we stand at a pivotal moment—a confluence of history and progress—as we celebrate a century of electrification in Indian Railways. With Central Railway achieving 100% electrification of its broad-gauge network in February 2023, we are now reaping the rewards of our steadfast commitment. As we commemorate this milestone, we also look towards the future with ambition and optimism. We are dedicated to continuous innovation, improving services, embracing new technologies, and ensuring that Indian Railways remains the Lifeline of the Nation."