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SEALDAH DIVISION CELEBRATES 162 YEARS OF GLORIOUS TRAIN OPERATIONS IN BETWEEN SEALDAH AND RANAGHAT
Kolkata, 29rd September, 2024
Sealdah Division has commemorated 162 years of train operations in between Sealdah and Ranaghat at Sealdah station today (29.09.2024). The first train service on the Sealdah – Ranaghat section commenced on 29th September, 1862.
Sealdah-Ranaghat Railway section, a bustling lifeline connecting Kolkata with it’s suburbs North 24 parganas & Nadia, have a rich heritage dating back to 1857 when Eastern Bengal Railway (EBR) was registered for constructing connectivity from Kolkata to Dhaka. The inaugural run of passenger train from Sealdah to Ranaghat on 29th September, 1862 was a big stride in that direction. The introduction of train service from Sealdah (the then Kolkata) was a significant milestone in facilitating commuters and at the same time securing socio-economic development of North 24 parganas & Nadia by ensuring marketing of agricultural products.
The original station building of Sealdah was designed by Walter Granville & constructed in the year 1869, reflecting architectural style of the era. Darjeeling Mail, one of the most iconic trains of Sealdah Division, started it’s inaugural run in 1878.
Over the years, Sealdah – Ranaghat section has been developed into major transportation hub significantly contributing both passenger and goods traffic. Gradually, Sealdah has also become the busiest junction of India dealing almost 900 EMU local trains and 12-15 lakh footfall every day.
To mark this momentous occasion, Shri Sumit Sarkar, AGM/ER, Sri Deepak Nigam, DRM/Sealdah and other officers send off an EMU train from Sealdah to Ranaghat. A captivating photo exhibition showcasing the rich history of the Sealdah – Ranaghat section was also arranged at Sealdah station. Apart, a cultural festival themed around “Swachhata Hi Seva” was held at Sealdah, Barrackpore & Ranaghat.
Sealdah-Ranaghat section holds immense significance in the history of Indian Railways. Today, the entire section upto Gede is fully electrified and equipped to handle EMU and high speed Mail/Express trains.
