This Day in Railroad History

January 13

1863
163 years ago
OpeningUnited Kingdom

Metropolitan Railway Extension in London

Metropolitan Railway

London

The Metropolitan Railway in London extended its services, enhancing urban connectivity and paving the way for modern subways by introducing underground passenger trains powered by steam.

1953
73 years ago
InnovationIndia

First Diesel-Electric Locomotive in India

Indian Railways

Chittaranjan

India introduced its first diesel-electric locomotive, transitioning from steam to more efficient engines and supporting post-independence industrial growth across its vast rail network.

1842
184 years ago
InnovationAustralia

First Steam Locomotive Arrives in Australia

Hobart

The first steam locomotive, 'Phineas', arrived in Hobart, marking the beginning of rail transport in Australia and facilitating colonial expansion by connecting remote areas for goods and passengers.

1910
116 years ago
InnovationJapan

Introduction of Electric Trains in Japan

Hankyu Railway

Osaka

Japan introduced its first electric railway line, modernizing urban transport and setting the stage for its efficient high-speed networks by electrifying the Hankyu line in Osaka.

1883
143 years ago
OpeningUnited States

Completion of the Northern Pacific Railway

Northern Pacific Railway

Gold Creek

The Northern Pacific Railway reached completion, linking the Great Lakes to the Pacific Coast and opening vast American territories for settlement and trade via transcontinental rail.

1847
179 years ago
FormationUnited States

Formation of the Illinois Central Railroad

Illinois Central Railroad

Springfield

The Illinois Central Railroad was chartered, marking a significant step in expanding rail networks across the American Midwest and facilitating agricultural and passenger transport.

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