Stories
Hidden History of Chennai Port Railway: Tracks Along the Sea Unveiled!
- •Chennai Port Railway began with port construction after 1875, evolving into a massive internal railway line after the 1881 storm.
- •The first permanent meter-gauge line was established in 1880, transforming the port into a modern commercial hub.
- •Connected to the broader railway network via Royapuram and Madras Beach station, facilitating seamless goods movement.
- •Port administration took direct control in 1916; a passenger train also operated until 1955, transporting ship passengers.
- •Lost significance with modern container transport and cargo trucks; old meter-gauge lines removed, passenger service ceased.
Key Questions Answered
Temporary tracks originally laid to transport stones and construction materials for port building were nearly destroyed in the severe storm of 1881, but the port's massive internal railway line was born out of those ruins. The first permanent meter-gauge line was introduced in June 1880 with assistance from the South Indian Railway, connecting the waves and the land to transform Madras Port into a modern commercial hub.
On November 1, 1916, the port administration directly took over freight registration and distribution responsibilities to gain autonomy. Driven by trade growth, the network expanded from a mere 2.5 miles in 1903 to 15 miles by 1918, while the number of railway engines increased to nine.
Yes, by 1955 a passenger train operated across approximately 3.85 miles of track. This train transported passengers embarking on foreign ships directly from Beach station to the ship's berth.
