Popular Howrah-Kalka Mail Renamed as Netaji Express

One of the oldest trains of Indian Railways, the Howrah-Kalka Mail has been renamed as the ‘Netaji Express’. Indian Railways have renamed the train just a few days before the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on January 23.

Key Points

• India will be celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose this January 23.
• Howrah-Kalka Mail was started in the 19th Century as one of the early commercial passenger train services in India.
• The Kalka mail has always been popular for connecting Howrah with Kalka and has enjoyed steady patronage.
• It is believed that Netaji took this train from Bihar’s Gomoh after escaping from his house in Kolkata in the year 1941.
• PM Modi will also visit Kolkata for Netaji’s birth anniversary.

Parakram Diwas

Recently, the Ministry of Culture has also designated January 23 as Parakram Diwas. From now, every year this day will be observed as Parakram Diwas to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to honor his contributions to society.

85-member panel

Earlier, this month, the government has also set up a panel with 85-members to look into the celebrations and activities/events for the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The panel will look after the celebrations of the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in India as well as abroad.