Royapuram Railway Station Celebrates 170 Years of History in Chennai

Chennai's historic Royapuram Railway Station celebrates 170 years with a special EIR-22 steam locomotive service and railway heritage exhibition.

By News National Editorial Team

Chennai's historic Royapuram Railway Station marked 170 years of railway heritage on November 4, 2026, with a special celebration organised by Southern Railway. The occasion brought attention to one of South India's most significant railway landmarks, which has witnessed the transformation of Indian rail transport from the age of steam locomotives to modern railway services.

Located in North Chennai, Royapuram Railway Station holds a special place in Indian railway history. Inaugurated on June 28, 1856, it is recognised as South India's first railway station and one of the oldest surviving railway station buildings in the Indian subcontinent.

A Historic Beginning in 1856

Royapuram's railway history dates back to the middle of the 19th century, when railway connectivity was beginning to expand across British India.

The station was inaugurated by the then Governor of Madras, Lord Harris, on June 28, 1856. Just three days later, on July 1, the first passenger railway service in South India began operating from Royapuram towards Wallajah Road, near present-day Walajapet in Tamil Nadu.

The railway line was approximately 101 kilometres long and was operated by the Madras Railway Company.

This development marked an important milestone in the history of transportation in southern India, connecting Madras with other important regions and supporting the movement of passengers and goods.

Special Steam Locomotive Marks the 170th Anniversary

One of the major attractions of the November 4 celebration was a special heritage steam locomotive service between Chennai Egmore and Royapuram.

The historic EIR-22 steam locomotive was used for the occasion. Built in England in 1855, the locomotive is among the oldest working steam engines in the world.

It remained in service until 1909 before being placed on static display. It was subsequently restored by Perambur Loco Works in 1997 and received international recognition in 1998 through a Guinness World Record.

Southern Railway officials, including General Manager U. Subba Rao, Additional General Manager Vipin Kumar and Chennai Divisional Railway Manager Shailendra Singh, participated in the heritage event.

A Glimpse into Railway History

The anniversary celebrations also offered visitors an opportunity to explore the station's historical significance through a photographic exhibition and displays of vintage railway equipment.

Some of the historical objects showcased included:

• An old Edmondson railway ticket machine.

• A century-old Station Master's table.

• Antique railway signal lamps.

• A historic weighing bridge.

• An old railway signboard.

• Vintage railway equipment and accessories.

These exhibits provided railway enthusiasts and visitors with a glimpse of how railway operations were managed during earlier generations.

An Architectural Landmark of Chennai

Beyond its railway importance, Royapuram Station is also recognised for its heritage architecture.

Its historic station building reflects the architectural style of the 19th century and stands as a reminder of Chennai's colonial-era development and the expansion of railway infrastructure.

Although railway operations have evolved significantly over the decades, the historic structure continues to represent an important chapter in the city's urban and transportation history.

Why Royapuram Station Deserves Preservation

Historic railway stations are more than transportation facilities. They preserve stories of industrial development, engineering, architecture and social change.

Royapuram Railway Station represents the beginning of passenger railway services in South India. Its preservation offers future generations an opportunity to understand how railway connectivity transformed travel and commerce in the region.

As the station completes 170 years of history, its legacy also highlights the importance of protecting India's railway heritage.

News National Perspective: From the first passenger trains of 1856 to the special heritage locomotive service of 2026, Royapuram Railway Station continues to connect Chennai's present with its remarkable past. Preserving such historic landmarks means preserving an important part of India's collective history.

Sources

1. DT Next – Royapuram Railway Station marks 170 years with steam locomotive run – Anniversary celebration and EIR-22 details.

2. The Federal – Royapuram Railway Station's 170 years – Heritage exhibition and celebration details.

3. IRFCA – Heritage of Royapuram Railway Station – Historical background.

4. Indian Railways historical document – Formal opening of Madras Railway – Historical railway records.

5. The New Indian Express – Royapuram's railway history – Historical dates and architectural heritage.