The Western Railway continues its operations on three train routes, including the 107-year-old narrow gauge heritage train running between Vaghai and Bilimora in Gujarat. Apart from this, two other narrow gauge trains are functioning between Miyagam, Choranda and Malsar, and between Choranda Junction and Moti Karal.
Narrow Gauge Train Services: A Quick Overview
In the field of rail transport, the terms track gauge or track gage indicate the distance between the rails of a railway track. These narrow-gauge train services are significant as they offer transport facilities to remote and rural areas, connecting them with the broader parts of the country.
Origins of the Decision
Previously, the Ministry of Railways had issued an order to the Western Railway for the permanent termination of certain routes considered “uneconomic branch lines” and narrow gauge sections. This order included the three trains from Gujarat that are still in service today. However, the Western Railway decided against stopping these services permanently due to their historical and functional significance.
The Vaghai-Billimora Train: A Legacy of the Gaekwad Dynasty
Operating since 1913, the Vaghai-Billimora train is a part of the legacy left behind by the Gaekwad dynasty that reigned over the princely state of Baroda. Regularly used by tribal people from the interior regions, this train covers a distance of 63 kilometers.
The British laid the railway tracks at the request of the Gaekwad rulers, and it was initially operated by Gaekwad Baroda State Railway (GBSR), owned by Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The jurisdiction of the Gaekwads extended across parts of Saurashtra, Mehsana in north Gujarat, and Bilimora in South Gujarat. Damaji I, the progenitor of the dynasty, came to power around 1740, and the last Gaekwar, Sayaji Rao III, died in 1939.
Changes and Developments Over the Years
For about 24 years, the Vaghai-Billimora train was powered by a steam engine, which was replaced with a diesel engine in 1937. In 1994, the original steam engine was put on display at the Churchgate Heritage Gallery in Mumbai, marking its significant place in the history of Indian Railways.
The existence of the Western Railway only started in 1951, through the merger of the Bombay, Baroda & Central India Railway, the Saurashtra, Rajputana, and Jaipur state Railways. This merger occurred several years after the change of engines on the Vaghai-Billimora train.
Upcoming Plans for the Indian Railways
The Indian Railways authorities had proposed to preserve several routes as “industrial heritage” back in 2018. Among these proposed routes are the 63-km Billimora-Vaghai and the 19-km Choranda-Moti Karal routes. This proposal displays the commitment of the officials towards preserving the historical assets of the railway system while also ensuring its functionality for the present and future commuter needs.