This Day in Railroad History

April 24

1906
120th anniversary
OpeningUnited States

NYC Subway Extension to Brooklyn

Interborough Rapid Transit

New York City

The Interborough Rapid Transit Company extends New York City's subway system to Brooklyn, enhancing urban connectivity and accelerating commuter travel across the East River.

1833
193 years ago
OpeningUnited States

First Passenger Train on Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

Baltimore

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad operated its first passenger train from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills, marking the beginning of commercial rail travel in the United States and demonstrating the potential of steam locomotives for public transportation.

1959
67 years ago
InnovationJapan

Shinkansen Plan Announcement in Japan

Japanese National Railways

Tokyo

Japanese National Railways announces plans for the Shinkansen high-speed rail network, revolutionizing intercity travel and setting global standards for bullet trains.

1838
188 years ago
OpeningRussia

First Passenger Train in Russia

Tsarskoye Selo Railway

St. Petersburg

The Tsarskoye Selo Railway in Russia operates its first passenger service, marking the start of rail transport in the country and connecting St. Petersburg to its suburbs with early steam locomotives.

1853
173 years ago
OpeningIndia

Inauguration of India's First Passenger Railway

Great Indian Peninsula Railway

Bombay (Mumbai)

On April 24, 1853, the Great Indian Peninsula Railway launched its first passenger service from Bombay to Thane, marking the beginning of rail transport in India and connecting the subcontinent's vast regions.

1853
173 years ago
OpeningCanada

Opening of Great Western Railway in Canada

Great Western Railway

Hamilton

The Great Western Railway opened its line from Hamilton to London, Ontario, enhancing connectivity in Canada and facilitating trade and passenger travel across the region during a period of rapid industrial growth.

1897
129 years ago
ConstructionUnited States

Completion of Baltimore Belt Line Tunnel

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

Baltimore

The Baltimore Belt Line Tunnel was completed, allowing the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to bypass city congestion and improve efficiency in freight and passenger operations along the East Coast.

1924
102 years ago
FormationCanada

Formation of the Canadian National Railway

Canadian National Railway

Ottawa

On April 24, 1924, the Canadian government officially consolidated several railways into the Canadian National Railway, creating a nationalized system to unify Canada's vast transportation network.

Showing 10 of 15 events for this date.

View Full Archive

Explore Our Complete Railroad History Archive

RailScanPro subscribers get access to our complete archive of railroad historical events, with advanced search, filtering, and the ability to explore events by railroad, location, and era.