10 facts about India’s oldest functioning railway station
Royapuram railway station was opened before the first war of independence in India. It is India's oldest operational railway station situated in Chennai. This historic station marked the dawn of railway operations in India and came to serve as the first railway station for the country in the pre-independence era.
Oldest surviving station
Royapuram Railway Station opened on June 28, 1856, is the oldest surviving railway station in India.
First South Indian station
This was the first railway station in South India as well and it marked the beginning of the railway service in the region.
Historic inauguration
The station was inaugurated by Lord Harris, the then Governor of Madras Presidency.
Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway
It served as the headquarters of Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway till 1922.
Historical Significance
Heritage structure
The station is recognized as a heritage structure and is listed under the Grade I category by the city's heritage list.
Cultural hub
Royapuramis also a place of diverse people, ranging from Parsis, Muslims, Anglo-Indians to many other settlers.
Tourist attraction
Tourists and history lovers come to visit this station, so that they can enjoy its rich heritage and historical importance.
Refurbished building
The station building was renovated in 2005 at an estimated cost of ₹3.5 million and reopened to the public.
Why Roypuram and not CST or Howrah?
The heritage section of the present Howrah station was built in 1905, following the demolition of the original structure. Meanwhile, the initial building of the Bombay stations have not survived.Roypuramis only the oldest surviving railway station that has largely remained unchanged since it's birth.