The oldest surviving railway station of India (Chennai)

 Royapuram Railway Station in Chennai (erstwhile Madras) city of South India is the oldest railway station of India which still survives.

Royapuram Railway Station is located in the Royapuram locality of North Chennai, and is one of the neglected local railway stations today where you can hardly find passengers. However, not many of the people even in Chennai city know that this was the second major railway station built in India, and this is the oldest railway station of India which still survives.

In 16th April 1853, the first railway line of India was started between Bori Bunder to Thane by British government, which ruled India during that time. Neither the Bori Bunder nor the Thane stations survive in the original. (Bori Bunder has become the famous Bombay Victoria Terminus). However, Royapuram, from where India's second railway line started, still survives to some extent. The railway line which linked Madras (Royapuram) to Arcot (now Wallajahpet) was opened in 1st July 1856 AD. (The work started in 1853 and ended by 1856). Two trains, each with coaches made by Simpson & Co., inaugurated the service. One carried the Governor Lord Harris and 300 Europeans to Amboor, and the second train took Indian invitees to Triveloor. Royapuram remained as the main railway station of Madras (Chennai) city till 1907 AD.

When you happen to go to North Chennai, ensure that you visit this heritage site of Royapuram Railway Station for sure.