ER Celebrates 164th Anniversary Of The Heritage Barrackpore Station

Kolkata (August 17, 2026): Eastern Railway (ER) celebrated the 164th anniversary of the heritage Barrackpore station through a colourful event. The Barrackpore railway station was built in 1862, primarily to connect the country's first military cantonment to the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata). The military garrison and cantonment was created at Barrackpore in 1772 by the British East India Company. The formal announced of a cantonment board there was made under Warren Hastings in 1775. Since then, it has been witness to several important events in Indian history, including what the British called the "Barrackpore Mutiny of 1824". Led by Sepoy Bindee Tiwari, troops of the 47th Bengal Native Infantry refused to travel to Burma (now Myanmar) to participate in the first Anglo-Burmese War. The troops were eventually massacred by the British, using artillery. In 1857, Mangal Pandey led his colleagues to rise against the British. Some historians believe that this was the start of the country's first War of Independence. "Though the station came up a few years later, it was witness to several interesting events in India's history thereafter. The station was used by freedom fighters extensively," a senior railway official said. The celebrations were part of the ‘Station Mahotsav’ initiative launched by the Ministry of Railways to celebrate heritage stations in accordance with their respective years of inception. More than 100 stations across the Indian Railways network have been identified for these celebrations to highlight their historical legacy and their deep contributions to the development of the railway system and the surrounding regions. "Barrackpore station stands among the oldest suburban stations in the country, having witnessed the remarkable transformation of Barrackpore from the colonial era into modern India while continuing to serve as a vital transit hub," the official said. During the event, local school students enthusiastically recited poems composed by their teachers, focusing on the theme of India's Independence and the hardships endured during the freedom struggle. Those present were also treated to a special video screening that illustrated the journey of Barrackpore railway station from its historical origins to its modern-day role, giving the audience a clear insight into its evolution over more than a century and a half. Members of the Bharat Scouts & Guides staged a moving play portraying the historic struggle of Mangal Pandey and the spirit of resistance, paying tribute to him and other unsung freedom fighters whose sacrifices shaped the nation. Retired railway employees were also felicitated during the event in recognition of their dedicated service, adding a special dimension to the event by connecting the station's glorious legacy with its present. The entire initiative served not just as an anniversary commemoration, but as an opportunity to reconnect the younger generation with the heritage of Indian Railways and the values of courage and patriotism. The festivities drew to a solemn and patriotic close as the crowd joined together for a spirited rendition of the National Anthem, leaving the historic platforms echoing with pride. "Barrackpore Station is not just a transit point of iron and concrete; it is a living monument to India’s heritage and freedom struggle. Through Station Mahotsav, we are not only honoring 164 years of rail service but also passing the torch of our rich history to the next generation," Shibram Majhi, CPRO, ER, said. - IANS jg/

Source: IANS