This is the Oldest train of India, has been running for over 150 years, its name is…, connects…
Traveling by train in India is more than simply a mode of transportation; it is a trip through time, culture, and geography. The Indian Railways is one of the largest railway systems in the world and has been a major aspect of the country’s history for more than a century, connecting far-reaching geographical locations and people. Within this vast and rich system, there are a few trains that have become well-established and shaped a special place in the hearts of travelers, representing aspects of India’s heritage, strength, and spirit. One legendary train you have to experience is the Howrah-Kalka Mail.
This train is not just a form of transportation, but a representation of India’s culture and history.
Netaji Express (referred to as Kalka Mail) is considered to be the oldest running train in India. The historic train runs between Howrah in Kolkata and Kalka in Haryana. The train originally started running from Kolkata to New Delhi, but the train route was later extended to Kalka, Haryana. To provide some background, Kalka is the railhead for the Kalka-Shimla Railway that runs to Shimla, which was the summer capital of the British Raj.
The Howrah-Kalka Mail began its service on January 1, 1866, and has consistently run on Indian Railways for 159 years. Initially, the oldest train in India ran between Delhi and Kolkata and was known as the East India Railway Mail. It was eventually renamed Howrah-Kalka Mail. The train was changed again, in 2021, the Howrah-Kalka Mail was renamed as the Netaji Express on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose due to a historic reason.
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