Kolkata, Aug 17 (IANS) Eastern Railway (ER) celebrated the 164th anniversary of the heritage Barrackpore station with a colourful event. The Barrackpore railway station was built in 1862, primarily to connect the country’s first military cantonment to Calcutta (now Kolkata).
The British East India Company created the military garrison and cantonment at Barrackpore in 1772. Warren Hastings formally announced a cantonment board in 1775. Since then, the site has witnessed several important events in Indian history, including what the British termed 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 this marked the beginning of the country’s First War of Independence.
“Though the station came up a few years later, it witnessed several interesting events in India’s history thereafter. The station was used extensively by freedom fighters,” 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 commemorations to highlight their historical legacy and contributions to the railway system and 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 added.
During the event, local school students recited poems composed by their teachers on the theme of India’s Independence and the hardships endured during the freedom struggle. A special video screening illustrated Barrackpore station’s journey from its historical origins to its modern‑day role.
Members of the Bharat Scouts & Guides staged a play portraying Mangal Pandey’s historic struggle and the spirit of resistance, paying tribute to him and other unsung freedom fighters. Retired railway employees were felicitated in recognition of their service, connecting the station’s legacy with its present.
The initiative served not only as an anniversary commemoration but also as an opportunity to reconnect the younger generation with Indian Railways’ heritage and the values of courage and patriotism. The festivities concluded with a spirited rendition of the National Anthem.
“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 honouring 164 years of rail service but also passing the torch of our rich history to the next generation,” Shibram Majhi, CPRO, ER, said.
–IANS
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