India’s Oldest Train Still on Track, The Netaji Express (1866)
Discover the story of India’s oldest continuously running train, the Netaji Express, first launched in 1866 as the East India Railway Mail. A living symbol of India’s railway heritage.
🚂 A Train That’s Been Running Since 1866!
Long before India had cars on its roads or planes in its skies, a train thundered across the plains from Howrah (Kolkata) to Delhi, the East India Railway Mail, launched on January 1, 1866.
Today, we know it as the Netaji Express, and it proudly holds the title of India’s oldest continuously operating train.
That’s nearly 160 years of history on steel rails!
🕰️ Then & Now
- Original Name: East India Railway Mail
- Current Name: Netaji Express (renamed in 2021)
- First Run: January 1, 1866
- Route: Howrah (Kolkata) → Delhi
- Operator: Indian Railways (Eastern Zone)
In 2021, the train was renamed to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who famously took this very train while escaping British surveillance in 1941, a daring moment in India’s freedom struggle.
🧩 Why It’s So Special
The Netaji Express is not just about distance, it’s about continuity.
It has survived the British Raj, partition, world wars, and modernization, still connecting generations through its timeless route.
Even as faster express trains and bullet lines arrive, this classic keeps rolling, a moving museum of Indian history.
🌉 Did You Know?
- The Netaji Express was among the first few trains to connect eastern and northern India.
- It was the lifeline for colonial administrators, businessmen, and soldiers.
- The train once extended beyond Delhi, reaching Kalka, the gateway to the Himalayas.
🧞♂️ SpotGenie
Just like the Netaji Express keeps India connected through history,
SpotGenie Smart Tags keep today’s vehicles connected in real time.
Whether it’s emergencies, parking issues, or contactless alerts —
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🔗 Other SpotGenie Facts
- India’s Fastest Train – Namo Bharat
- Dibrugarh–Kanyakumari Vivek Express – India’s Longest Train Route
- Chenab Bridge – The World’s Highest Railway Bridge
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