When a pair of bullocks was an engine of goods train in Gujarat

As new narrow gauge rail park has been opened in central Gujarat’s Dabhoi railway premises where India’s first narrow gauge train was launched 150 years back, here is a small narrative from the exhibit telling the story on how it all started with a light tramway having a pair of bullocks as its engine!!!

The first Dabhoi to Miyagam line was designed and constructed by Mr. A.W.Forde using a 2 feet 6 inch gauge 13 lbs rail. It started out as a light tramway to be worked by bullocks. A pair of bullocks was estimated to be able to draw five loaded goods carriages over the rails with ease at a speed of two – three miles per hour.

It was afterwords decided to employ steam engines on this line and three engines built by Neilson and Co. Glasgow, and designed by Mr. Forde weighing 6 tonnes each including fuel and water were ordered. Some carriages were built in India and line was opened to traffic in 1862.

And thus the journey began with many firsts – the first narrow gauge line, the first line built and owned by an Indian prince.

The Illustrated London News published o 23th May 1863: “The first Indian tramway made by a native prince, between Miyagam and Dabhoi opens up new prospects for Gujarat.”

Narrow Gauge Rail Park at Dabhoi

Yesteryears in Gujarat