11th
August 2018.
This
Royapuram Railway station was a part of the Heritage Walk/ Ride around Royapuram
led by Mrs Nivedita Louis on 11th August 2018. Thanks, ma. It was
drizzling throughout the walk/ ride and could not dampen our spirit. 35 history
enthusiasts participated in this walk also called a ride since all the
places were covered with motorcycles and scooters. Some came through Maa Uzha.
This
Royapuram Railway station is one of the
living oldest Railway stations, the first in South India and second largest in terms of area ( 246000
sq meters ). After the formation of the Madras Railway Company on 8th July
1845, the construction of the station was started on 9th June 1853 and
completed on 16th 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 of 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 were built at Simpson
& Co, Madras. The first passenger train ran up to Amoor and the passengers
were welcomed under Shamiana with artillery guns firing. On 17th December
1875, the Prince of Wales arrived at this Royapuram Railway station and later King
Edward VII. During their visit the station was decorated like a palace, welcome
address in a golden casket, golden throne, lighting with chandeliers, punkah, etc,.
Devadasis was also performed on that occasion.
The
Royapuram Railway Station served as a major transit hub till Madras Central
Station was built in 1907. The Royapuram station also served as a headquarters for
the Madras & Southern Maratha Railways till its separation in 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 2nd October 2005, by R Velu at a cost of 3
million rupees. When the decision to demolition came due to aging and the high cost
of maintenance, this was stopped by 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. The laying of railway lines on the front and back are in progress.
LOCATION OF THE STATION: CLICK HERE
The Madras Terrace
The
remains of Madras and South Marata Railway – a wooden bench
---OM
SHIVAYA NAMA---
Excellent info. I still remember this station, which I have been like 20 years before. Even at that time, it was ill maintained. Wish govt takes some action asap. If I am right, this has become like a shooting spot for few movies. Including the yelaam arivu, right?
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