This 1890 map titled India. Map Shewing Railways, corrected up to 31st March 1890, provides a detailed overview of the railway network in India as it stood at the end of the 19th century.
The map uses different colors to indicate various gauges of railways: black for 5 ft. 6 in. gauge, red for metre gauge, and green for other gauges. Projected lines are shown with dashed lines. Key railways and their lengths are listed on the sides, highlighting both state-operated lines and those worked by various companies. The map also notes junctions between foreign lines and home lines, as well as railways under construction.
Key Railways include:
- Nalhati
- Cheira-Company Ganj
- Gaekwar's
- Kaunia-Dharlia
- Morvi
- Thaton-Duyingzûk
- Darjeeling-Himalayan
- Jorhat
The history of Indian railways dates back to the mid-19th century and is intertwined with the British colonial administration's economic and administrative policies. The first railway in India was introduced on April 16, 1853, with a 21-mile line between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Thane. This marked the beginning of a massive expansion of the railway network that would transform the subcontinent.
The initial years saw the construction of several major lines aimed at connecting important cities and ports to facilitate trade and movement. The British East India Company and later the British Raj viewed the railways as a crucial tool for administrative control and economic exploitation. By connecting key regions, the railways enabled the efficient transport of raw materials from the hinterlands to the ports, from where they could be shipped to Britain and other destinations.
The 1860s and 1870s witnessed rapid growth in railway construction. The introduction of various gauges, including the broad gauge (5 ft. 6 in.), metre gauge, and narrow gauge, allowed for flexible and cost-effective construction across diverse terrains. By 1880, the railway network had expanded to cover over 9,000 miles, linking major cities and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
The late 19th century saw further expansion and consolidation of the railway system. The Indian railway network became one of the largest in the world, with multiple private companies and state-owned enterprises operating different segments. The government also began to take a more active role in regulating and standardizing railway operations to ensure efficiency and safety.
By 1900, the Indian railways had become a vital part of the country's infrastructure, significantly impacting the economy and society. The railways played a crucial role in the movement of troops, especially during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and in subsequent British military campaigns. They also facilitated the spread of ideas and culture, contributing to the nascent Indian nationalist movement.