CENTRAL RAILWAY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION WITH A GRAND COMMEMORATION

Exhibition, Walkathon, Documentary Release, and Felicitation of Pioneers Mark the Historic Occasion

Central Railway celebrated 100 years of Railway Electrification with great enthusiasm on 3rd February 2025. The journey of electric traction in India began on 3rd February 1925, when the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR), now Central Railway, operated the first electric train (EMU) between Bombay VT (now CSMT) and Kurla Harbour, covering a distance of 16 km. This historic event, powered by a 1500V DC system, marked a transformative shift from steam-powered locomotives to electric traction in Indian Railways.

To commemorate this momentous milestone, Dharam Veer Meena, General Manager, Central Railway, spearheaded a series of celebratory events.

Meena was accorded a traditional welcome to the rhythmic beats of Lezim, a folk dance of Maharashtra, before inaugurating an exhibition showcasing the evolution of electric traction?spanning the past, present, and a glimpse into the future. The exhibition 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

Earlier, Rajnish Goyal, Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, delivered the welcome speech. The event also featured a vibrant cultural program performed by artists of Central Railway.

The function was attended by Prateek Goswami, Additional General Manager, Hiresh Mina, Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Division, Principal Heads of Departments, and senior officers from headquarters and divisions.