Walk Along the Tracks to the Past

That Madras is home to a number of firsts is well-known. The city’s history is filled with ingenuity and marvels, producing rich heritage in all fields; and the railways are not far behind.

It was the Madras Presidency which pioneered the laying of railway tracks and lines, only to be muddled with internal conflicts and overshadowed by the Bombay Presidency which would go on to flag off the first rail journey in the country. Nevertheless, Madras soon saw credits coming their way. Home to what is popularly considered the oldest surviving railway station in the country and the second oldest railway line in South Asia, Royapuram is a locality to be beckoned with pride and prominence.

Come join us as we take a tour of some of these firsts in the history of the Madras railways, and delve deep into the railway heritage that Royapuram possesses.

Note: This walk is being held in collaboration with the Southern Railway Chennai Division.

What Participants Say

The attention to detail and the file with photographs of buildings that once stood at the site

The range of things we got to do. Walking through the streets, commuting in a train, exploring a factory and all the while listening to history.

Time-travel, across multiple locations, one-of-its kind, effective planning/ management of large group

Walk Details

Focus: History, Architecture
Research Duration: 3 months (and, ongoing!)

Walk Duration: 2 hours
Timings: 07:30 am – 09:30 am
Starting Point: Chennai Beach Railway Station
Ending Point: Southern Railway Press
Includes:

History of the first rail journey in Madras
Understanding the aspects of early railways establishments
Visit to the Southern Railway Press