Photo: Wikipedia
The Heartbeat Connecting a Megacity
Mumbai’s iconic suburban rail network has an incredible history. Built from 1853 onwards, it is one of the oldest urban transport systems in Asia. The locals have played a pivotal role in shaping India’s financial capital and its economy by serving as the city’s lifeline.
First Railway in India
Isn’t it fascinating that the first passenger railway in India ran between Bori Bunder and Thane in 1853? This 34 km link between Mumbai and Thane was built by the Great Indian Peninsula (GIP) Railway.
Shockingly, within a decade, suburban lines expanded north to Kalyan and south to Colaba along the Western line by 1867. By 1930, a comprehensive suburban rail network had developed.
Not only that, the British opened the first railway terminus, VT Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), in Mumbai in 1888. It became the headquarters of the GIP Railway.
Connecting a Growing City
As Bombay evolved into a thriving port city and industrial center in the 1900s, local trains became vital for the workforce.
Dense suburban networks with multiple stations connected factories, mills, and docks to residential areas across the city and extended suburbs.
You’ll be shocked to know Mumbai locals ferry over 80 lakh passengers daily today to 467 stations! That’s more daily ridership than many megacities’ entire populations.
Fueling Prosperity
The suburban rail network played a key role in Bombay’s economic boom and population growth. It enabled the efficient movement of people and goods.
Local trains allowed the city to spread northwards and integrate commercial hubs like Bandra, Andheri, and Borivali with South Bombay.
Truly, the Mumbai Suburban Railway has been the force driving the city’s expansion and rise as India’s financial powerhouse. It is the city’s dependable, indefatigable lifeline.
The Railway of the Aam Aadmi
With fares as low as Rs 10-15, almost everyone relies on the locals. The network stitches together people from all walks of life.
Over the decades, the trains have embedded deeply into Mumbai’s culture and spirit. Stories about Mumbai locals abound in films, books, and music that celebrate the city.
Hardworking, resilient, and always on the move, like the city they serve, Mumbai locals are the beating heart that keeps this megacity connected and alive.
Source-
- Anjali, G. (2017). Mumbai local trains: Lifeline of the city. Hindustan Times.
- Ministry of Railways, Govt of India. (2013). History of Mumbai Suburban Railway. Press Information Bureau.
- Sudhir, K. (2010). Mumbai Railway — Lifeline of Mumbai. Amusing Minds.
- Raychaudhuri, A. (1983). The Early Railways in India: 1845-1862. The Journal of Transport History
- Rodrigues, C. (2018). Mumbai local trains: 167 years & still going strong. Mid-Day.
- Sharma, R. (2001). Origin and Growth of Mumbai Suburban Railways. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress
- Indian Railways. (2020). Year End Review 2020 – Ministry of Railways. Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
