Royapuram Railway Station / ராயபுரம் ரயில் நிலையம், Royapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

11^th August 2018.

This Royapuram Railway station was a part of Heritage walk/ ride around Royapuram led by Mrs Nivedita Louis on 11^th August 2018. Thanks ma. It was drizzling through out the walk/ ride and could not dampen our spirit. 35 history enthusiasts participated in this walk also call this as ride since all the places are covered with motor cycles and scooter. Some came through Maa uzha.

This Royapuram Railway station is one of  the living oldest Railway station, the first in South India  and second largest in terms of area ( 246000 sq meters ). After formation of Madras Railway Company on 8^th July 1845, the construction of the station  was started on 9^th June 1853 and completed on 16^th July 1856. The initial work was kick started by the Nathar Sahib Navab of Arcot and then Governor General,  Henry Pottinger.  The purpose of the railway station was to Connect the Madras  with the military city Arcot, Walajah. The initial distance covered was 65 miles, at an estimated cost of 5500 pounds per mile.

Two steam Locomotives were shipped from London and coaches are built at Simpson & Co, Madras. The first passenger train ran up to Amoor and the passengers are welcomed under shamiana with artillery guns firing. In 17^th December 1875 Prince of Wales arrived to this Royapuram Railway station and latter King Edward VII. During their visit the station was decorated like a palace, welcome address in golden casket, golden throne, lighting with chandeliers, punkah, etc,. Devadasis also performed on that occasion.

The Royapuram Railway station was served as a major transit hub till Madras Central Station was built in 1907. The Royapuram station also served as a head quarters for the Madras & Southern Maratha Railways till its separation during 1920. Most of the Madras's red brick Indo-Saracenic building materials like brick and Timber are transported through this Railway Station by Namberumal Chetty. The Station was renovated and opened on 2^nd October 2005, by R Velu at a cost of 3 million rupees. When the decision of demolition came due to aging and high cost of maintenance, this was stopped by the heritage enthusiasts. Now the Royapuram Railway station serves as a Sub-Urban station with a new small booking office & new platform  on the Chennai to Arakkonam route. Laying of railway lines on front and back are in progress.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 The Madras Terrace

 The remains of Madras and South Marata Railway – an wooden bench

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---