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

11^th August 2018.

This Royapuram Railway station was a part of the Heritage Walk/ Ride around Royapuram led by Mrs Nivedita Louis on 11^th 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 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 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 17^th 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 2^nd 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---