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Halt Station India
Halt Station India chronicles the dramatic rise of India’s original rail network, the arrival of the first train, and the subsequent emergence of a pioneering electric line—all in the port city of Bombay. Trains that once provoked awe and fear—they were viewed as fire chariots, smoke-spewing demons—have today become a nation’s lifeblood.
Taking a walk along India’s first rail lines, the author stumbles upon fragments of the past—a clock at Victoria Terminus that offers a rare view of a city; a cannon near Masjid Bunder Station that is worshipped as a god; a watchtower overlooking Sion Station, believed to have housed a witch. Each pit-stop comes with stories of desire and war, ambition and death—by Dockyard Road Station, for instance, author Laurence Sterne’s beloved, Eliza Draper, followed a sailor into the sea; or close to Parel Station, the wife of India’s governor general, Lord Canning found a garden rich in tropical vegetation; this, she replicated at Barrackpore.
Drawing from journals, biographies, newspapers and railway archives—and with nostalgic, first-time accounts of those who travelled by India’s earliest trains—the book captures the economic and social revolutions spurred by the country’s first train line. In this, Halt Station India is not just about the railways—it is the story of the growth of India’s business capital and a rare study of a nation.
Taking a walk along India’s first rail lines, the author stumbles upon fragments of the past—a clock at Victoria Terminus that offers a rare view of a city; a cannon near Masjid Bunder Station that is worshipped as a god; a watchtower overlooking Sion Station, believed to have housed a witch. Each pit-stop comes with stories of desire and war, ambition and death—by Dockyard Road Station, for instance, author Laurence Sterne’s beloved, Eliza Draper, followed a sailor into the sea; or close to Parel Station, the wife of India’s governor general, Lord Canning found a garden rich in tropical vegetation; this, she replicated at Barrackpore.
Drawing from journals, biographies, newspapers and railway archives—and with nostalgic, first-time accounts of those who travelled by India’s earliest trains—the book captures the economic and social revolutions spurred by the country’s first train line. In this, Halt Station India is not just about the railways—it is the story of the growth of India’s business capital and a rare study of a nation.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
22 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Rajendra B. Aklekar
10 books16 followersRajendra B. Aklekar (born 1974) is an Indian author and a journalist with interests in railway history, public transport & infra, archiving & documentation and also a trained museologist. He has been a working journalist with nearly 30 years’ experience reporting on Mumbai’s public transport and infrastructure. He is presently with Mid-Day Mumbai as Deputy City Editor, and author of best-selling books on India’s railway history, heritage and trains. He is also the biographer of India’s legendary railway engineer Dr E Sreedharan.
Winner of the 2024 Alfa Awards in the Literature category organised by AlfaCommunications, recepient of the the Ashtagandha Lifetime Achievement Aaward 2022 and the ‘Best Author’ in history and travel category of the Indian Author Awards 2021 organised by the Navi Mumbai Chamber of Business and Industry, his first book with Rupa Publications ‘Halt Station India’ was also short-listed at Bengaluru Literary Festival 2015 for best ‘Non-Fiction of the Year’. The book was also presented a Special Mention Award at the 6th National Convention (2015-16) of the Konkan Itihas Parishad.
With training from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai, Aklekar is also certified in museology and has contributed significantly while setting up the Rail Heritage Gallery at the UNESCO-listed Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station, formerly Victoria Terminus building, Bombay and documentation of heritage relics of India’s first railway.
He is also the author of officially published history narrative and coffee table books of Western Railway, Konkan Railway and the B.E.S.T undertaking in Mumbai.
Being a journalist for over 30 years, he has worked in numerous prominent print publications, including The Daily, The Sunday Observer, Hindustan Times, DNA, Mumbai Mirror, Mid-Day, with by-lines in several Marathi publications and prominent websites too. He had been a regular weekly columnist with England’s rail news website RailTube. Aklekar, associated with the Indian Railway Fans’ Club Association, Indian Steam Railway Society, Rail Enthusiasts Society and the Asiatic Society in Mumbai.
His first book Halt Station India- The Dramatic Tale of the Nation’s First Rail Lines (Rupa 2015), released by India’s Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, was about the story of India’s first railway line in Mumbai. The book chronicles the dramatic rise of India’s original rail network, the arrival of the first train, and the subsequent emergence of a pioneering electric line—all in the port city of Bombay. The book was shortlisted at the Bangalore Literature Festival 2015 as best Non-Fiction (English).
This book has also been translated into Marathi by prominent Pune-based publisher Mehta Publishing House.
His second book India’s Railway Man- A Biography of Dr E Sreedharan, (5) also released by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu (Rupa 2017) is the biography of India’s prominent railway engineer Dr E Sreedharan. The biography has been endorsed by Dr Sreedharan personally with a signed note in it. It documents his life story on how this iconic railway man got about building the Konkan Railway along India’s western coast on an extremely difficult terrain to how he introduced the culture of urban Metro rail in India.
This book has also been translated into Marathi by prominent Pune-based publisher Mehta Publishing House.
His next book with Rupa Publications (June 2019) ‘A Short History of Indian Railways’ is a lighter read weaving together anecdotes from 1830s to 2019, taking the reader on a thrilling ride of over two centuries on an ‘express’ time machine. It has been received well by readers.
His another online book ‘The Great Indian Railway Romance’ is a compilation of his weekly news update column that used to appear online on England-based RailTube website.
He has also written a book narrating the story of Konkan Railway officially published by the Konkan Railway. An
Winner of the 2024 Alfa Awards in the Literature category organised by AlfaCommunications, recepient of the the Ashtagandha Lifetime Achievement Aaward 2022 and the ‘Best Author’ in history and travel category of the Indian Author Awards 2021 organised by the Navi Mumbai Chamber of Business and Industry, his first book with Rupa Publications ‘Halt Station India’ was also short-listed at Bengaluru Literary Festival 2015 for best ‘Non-Fiction of the Year’. The book was also presented a Special Mention Award at the 6th National Convention (2015-16) of the Konkan Itihas Parishad.
With training from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai, Aklekar is also certified in museology and has contributed significantly while setting up the Rail Heritage Gallery at the UNESCO-listed Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station, formerly Victoria Terminus building, Bombay and documentation of heritage relics of India’s first railway.
He is also the author of officially published history narrative and coffee table books of Western Railway, Konkan Railway and the B.E.S.T undertaking in Mumbai.
Being a journalist for over 30 years, he has worked in numerous prominent print publications, including The Daily, The Sunday Observer, Hindustan Times, DNA, Mumbai Mirror, Mid-Day, with by-lines in several Marathi publications and prominent websites too. He had been a regular weekly columnist with England’s rail news website RailTube. Aklekar, associated with the Indian Railway Fans’ Club Association, Indian Steam Railway Society, Rail Enthusiasts Society and the Asiatic Society in Mumbai.
His first book Halt Station India- The Dramatic Tale of the Nation’s First Rail Lines (Rupa 2015), released by India’s Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, was about the story of India’s first railway line in Mumbai. The book chronicles the dramatic rise of India’s original rail network, the arrival of the first train, and the subsequent emergence of a pioneering electric line—all in the port city of Bombay. The book was shortlisted at the Bangalore Literature Festival 2015 as best Non-Fiction (English).
This book has also been translated into Marathi by prominent Pune-based publisher Mehta Publishing House.
His second book India’s Railway Man- A Biography of Dr E Sreedharan, (5) also released by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu (Rupa 2017) is the biography of India’s prominent railway engineer Dr E Sreedharan. The biography has been endorsed by Dr Sreedharan personally with a signed note in it. It documents his life story on how this iconic railway man got about building the Konkan Railway along India’s western coast on an extremely difficult terrain to how he introduced the culture of urban Metro rail in India.
This book has also been translated into Marathi by prominent Pune-based publisher Mehta Publishing House.
His next book with Rupa Publications (June 2019) ‘A Short History of Indian Railways’ is a lighter read weaving together anecdotes from 1830s to 2019, taking the reader on a thrilling ride of over two centuries on an ‘express’ time machine. It has been received well by readers.
His another online book ‘The Great Indian Railway Romance’ is a compilation of his weekly news update column that used to appear online on England-based RailTube website.
He has also written a book narrating the story of Konkan Railway officially published by the Konkan Railway. An
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 12, 2015
In a country that has a poor record of chronicling history, ‘Halt Station India’ is a significant step. It is common knowledge that India’s first train that chugged out of Bori Bunder to Thane in April 1853. ‘Halt Station India’ is a meticulously planned and well-researched book. Walking down through the Central Railway route, which by the way, was laid out as an experimental railway line, the author captures interesting nuggets which one might not always notice during the daily commute. In that aspect, full marks to Sri. Aklekar’s book ‘Halt Station India’ which makes one pause and notice the finer points. Traversing through the Harbour Line, the erstwhile BB&CI railway in addition to the forgotten lines and tramways of Mumbai, Halt Station India offers a fascinating insight into how the nation’s first lines were built. I strongly recommend Halt Station India for mapping an important aspect of history that one would normally take it for granted. A sincere ‘thank you’ to Mr. Aklekar for being a tireless conscience-keeper of the Bombay Railways. :) .
November 4, 2017
Absolute gem. Must read if you're interested in knowing about the history of Mumbai railways.
March 23, 2020
On 16th April 1853 a 14 wagon train started its journey from Bombay's Bori Bunder to Thana station. We all must have read about that historical event in our history books since kids. It was the beginning of an upcoming era that changed from labor and animals to machines.
As a person born and brought up in Mumbai i was always fascinated by its rich history which lay hidden behind the new age high rises and the fast-paced lifestyles, trains were an unavoidable part of it. While doing a deep dive into the Victorian Era structures i always longed for historical documentation related to the Railways which was extremely rare to find, and it finally ended when i got this book.
The book is a bible for Mumbai's history lovers and Railway lovers. It does not just document the first historic run but it also takes you behind the scenes starting with the proposal, motives, people involved, construction, roadblocks, and the opening. It doesn't stop there. Writer Rajendra B Aklekar does a commendable job in researching each and every detail of Mumbai's railways including the stations, their backgrounds, selections, namings, the relics left today, and fates of some vanished ones too.
The book carries you like a train ride starting from V.T all the way to almost every part of Mumbai like its own veins, and the ride is undoubtedly worthy.
As a person born and brought up in Mumbai i was always fascinated by its rich history which lay hidden behind the new age high rises and the fast-paced lifestyles, trains were an unavoidable part of it. While doing a deep dive into the Victorian Era structures i always longed for historical documentation related to the Railways which was extremely rare to find, and it finally ended when i got this book.
The book is a bible for Mumbai's history lovers and Railway lovers. It does not just document the first historic run but it also takes you behind the scenes starting with the proposal, motives, people involved, construction, roadblocks, and the opening. It doesn't stop there. Writer Rajendra B Aklekar does a commendable job in researching each and every detail of Mumbai's railways including the stations, their backgrounds, selections, namings, the relics left today, and fates of some vanished ones too.
The book carries you like a train ride starting from V.T all the way to almost every part of Mumbai like its own veins, and the ride is undoubtedly worthy.
March 17, 2021
Sometimes you come across a book and you think I must read this. I picked up this book because I stay in the city and have never been happy with the renaming from Bombay to Mumbai. Perhaps it is a search for nostalgia that attracts me to books about the city and its origins...
I have barely read about 30 pages and yet already I am in love with this book. Written in a simple style with adequate prose, the book is more about the origin of the railway system in India and in that sense it is focused on making it simple, accessible and readable.
If you are curious about the origins of the "Lifeline of the City" this is a great introduction. Liberally littered with references to other books, articles, Newspapers etc. for the more curious.
Having grown up in the city, I still remember people referring to areas with a G.I.P tag. I can identify with so many of the old names for places mentioned, now mostly forgotten in the renaming madness that seems to strike people from time to time. It is a trip down nostalgia lane with a whole lot of nuggets thrown in about time and places that I have always been curious about.
I have barely read about 30 pages and yet already I am in love with this book. Written in a simple style with adequate prose, the book is more about the origin of the railway system in India and in that sense it is focused on making it simple, accessible and readable.
If you are curious about the origins of the "Lifeline of the City" this is a great introduction. Liberally littered with references to other books, articles, Newspapers etc. for the more curious.
Having grown up in the city, I still remember people referring to areas with a G.I.P tag. I can identify with so many of the old names for places mentioned, now mostly forgotten in the renaming madness that seems to strike people from time to time. It is a trip down nostalgia lane with a whole lot of nuggets thrown in about time and places that I have always been curious about.
September 6, 2022
What a fabulous read this is! I'm not even from Bombay and still enjoyed this thoroughly - especially the initial parts where the first railway lines were laid and the quirky tales behind it. Superb 👌🏼
January 11, 2016
This book chronicles the railway history of Bombay in a very interesting way. You don't have know Bombay or be from there to read this book. If you are someone interested in the heritage of India, specifically the railway heritage then this is the one book you should read.
Sri Rajendra Aklekar's scholarship stands out !!
Sri Rajendra Aklekar's scholarship stands out !!
March 1, 2015
Not just a railway history book, it is a Mumbai history book. Enjoyed the ride!
June 23, 2023
Mumbai and its’s association with railways is a part of folklore and the 1st public service railway line opened on 16th April 1853 running between Bori Bunder and Thane. This story of origin of the railways in Mumbai and its exploration of the same in current times is the subject of this fascinating and well-researched book by Rajendra Aklekar an railway aficionado and heritage conservation activist.
The author starts off with the inputs on the genesis of the railways at the start of the book and takes you back in the era where the exploration to setup the railways in India started with the advent of steam engines. The author provides instances of the 1st experiments in railways- Red Hill Railroad started in 1836 in Chennai for transportation for road building. The intent for the establishment of the railways for transport of raw cotton from the interiors to the ports is noted, with the different railways plans culminating in establishment of Grand Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR) and then the 1st railways.
The author really gets into the groove when he starts exploring the railways lines with all the stations one-by-one. The author uncovers fascinating anecdotes and the matches with the current day remains in the station and its environs. The author has not just relied on theoretical research but also explored on-ground along the lines. The passion of the author is quite evident and his lament also when many of the heritage structures are not preserved or overridden. Along with other facts, it is quite interesting to uncover the etymology of the name of the stations- many associated with the underlying area, its type (Dadar -like steps or Dadra) or with the trees around it (Chinchpokli) or named after British Governors. After exploring the Central line, the author takes a stroll through the Harbor line as well as the BBCI (Western Railways). I also loved the section on forgotten lines and lost journeys which encapsulates stations/lines like Colaba, Backbay station etc.
The author keeps the narrative very fluid, easy paced and not heavy while still packing the content with fascinating information. At places, the author includes pictures to give us a glimpse of the journey and it would have been absolutely wonderful if the author could include even more pictures (may be in 2nd edition!).
This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the genesis of Indian railways and especially a must read for every Mumbaikar who has traversed the railway lines all his life but probably hasn’t got a chance to look around and explore its history. If this book doesn’t excite you the Mumbai railways line a bit more, then nothing will so go for it and convert into an explorer of Mumbai and its railways!
The author starts off with the inputs on the genesis of the railways at the start of the book and takes you back in the era where the exploration to setup the railways in India started with the advent of steam engines. The author provides instances of the 1st experiments in railways- Red Hill Railroad started in 1836 in Chennai for transportation for road building. The intent for the establishment of the railways for transport of raw cotton from the interiors to the ports is noted, with the different railways plans culminating in establishment of Grand Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR) and then the 1st railways.
The author really gets into the groove when he starts exploring the railways lines with all the stations one-by-one. The author uncovers fascinating anecdotes and the matches with the current day remains in the station and its environs. The author has not just relied on theoretical research but also explored on-ground along the lines. The passion of the author is quite evident and his lament also when many of the heritage structures are not preserved or overridden. Along with other facts, it is quite interesting to uncover the etymology of the name of the stations- many associated with the underlying area, its type (Dadar -like steps or Dadra) or with the trees around it (Chinchpokli) or named after British Governors. After exploring the Central line, the author takes a stroll through the Harbor line as well as the BBCI (Western Railways). I also loved the section on forgotten lines and lost journeys which encapsulates stations/lines like Colaba, Backbay station etc.
The author keeps the narrative very fluid, easy paced and not heavy while still packing the content with fascinating information. At places, the author includes pictures to give us a glimpse of the journey and it would have been absolutely wonderful if the author could include even more pictures (may be in 2nd edition!).
This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the genesis of Indian railways and especially a must read for every Mumbaikar who has traversed the railway lines all his life but probably hasn’t got a chance to look around and explore its history. If this book doesn’t excite you the Mumbai railways line a bit more, then nothing will so go for it and convert into an explorer of Mumbai and its railways!
March 5, 2020
An informative book about the early evolution of Indian Railways detailing the construction of the seminal line from what was to become Victoria Terminus (and now CST) to Thane. This brings into focus the history and changing geography of Bombay from the seven distinct islands to the seething mass of humanity that is present day Mumbai. The author has done intensive research from various archives and traversed closely the stretch of the first railway line of India. He has managed to unearth original pieces of construction like roofs, lamp-posts, furniture, masonry etc. Interesting trivia and old photos are liberally scattered all over the narrative. Brilliant effort!
June 4, 2018
An intriguing read especially for a citizen of the city. The author has painstakingly woven together a narrative on the city as he walks you down the first railway line of India- from Bori Bundar to Thane. The only regret is that as the book progresses the narrative loses its depth. Regardless, the effort to bring forth the history of a city that is constantly evolving through its rail network is commendable.
July 2, 2020
It's a weird feeling to give context to the oral history my parents have taught me about the city, and then to discover more. The book not only describes Mumbai's rail network but also details the external causes that shaped the railway. I can't even begin to comprehend the amount of research put into this book.
December 28, 2022
An incredibly well researched and detailed look into India’s first railway lines. Aklekar paints a picture of mid 19th century Bombay and tells this tale via the rail tracks that remain its lifelines today. The chapter that focuses on the main Central Line is written in a “come-walk-with-me” style that is immersive and gripping. Would thoroughly recommend it to any railway (and/or) history nerd.
November 2, 2025
You have lived in the city, commuted through the 'lifeline' for over half your life; and yet, there is so little you know about it. Each station along the three lines-Central, Western and Harbour of the Mumbai Railway has nuggets of information to offer. I must commend the author on finding the pieces of information that make up this book; must have taken a lot of perseverance.
April 24, 2023
Super read on one of Mumbai's greatest success stories
Author has traversed through many inter-connected anecdotes that is perfectly representative of the subject he has covered.
Will revisit while actually traveling in a local!
Author has traversed through many inter-connected anecdotes that is perfectly representative of the subject he has covered.
Will revisit while actually traveling in a local!
July 1, 2017
Meticulously researched. Charting the growth of the railways in Mumbai is the most appropriate way of deciphering the cacophony of modern day Mumbai. Definitely recommended.
Read
November 19, 2021His love for railways shows. Fascinating
June 27, 2020
If you are an Indian railway enthusiast, you would have read this already. "Halt station India" by Rajendra Aklekar is a treat to read for all those who are interested in Bombay's past and our dear life line - the railway network. If you have ever wondered as to why the stations in Mumbai bear the names they do then this is a must-read. The book includes fascinating details and nuggets that will enrich your knowledge about the Indian railway and the city of Mumbai.
March 16, 2020
The outcome a passionate research and journey down the history behind the Indian Railways. Luck would have it that Bombay (now Mumbai) become the first Indian city to have operational railways. The first engine should have landed in Calcutta (now Kolkatta) and should have been the first city in India to run trains, but fate intervened and sent that engine to Australia resulting in a destiny with Bombay laying claim to the first railways in India.
Interestingly unlike many who believe Victoria Terminus (now a mouthful Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) was not the station from where the first train was flagged off, but it was Bori Bunder, closer to the port from where the first train was flagged off. So technically the mantel of the oldest station in Bombay falls on Sion. Sion was the first station to be built and it was built not because something was to be loaded or people were expected to get in, but because the engines needed to be watered. Yes the one tends to forget that the steam engines of the yore needed to refilled with water at regular intervals.
One of the key challenge that the engineers faced was to lay the tracks in the swampy region between "Matoonga" and "Coorla" (and hence the C which still represents a Kurla local in the Central line) alongside the Duncan Causeway (now Mankikar Marg).
The author lovingly describes every station between VT and Kalyan and highlights the relics that can be looked for in each station. The author also covers, but as quick as a fast train, the stations from Churchgate to Virar/Vasai, but the book definitely belongs to the central railway and the partly the harbour.
A must read for history buffs.
Interestingly unlike many who believe Victoria Terminus (now a mouthful Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) was not the station from where the first train was flagged off, but it was Bori Bunder, closer to the port from where the first train was flagged off. So technically the mantel of the oldest station in Bombay falls on Sion. Sion was the first station to be built and it was built not because something was to be loaded or people were expected to get in, but because the engines needed to be watered. Yes the one tends to forget that the steam engines of the yore needed to refilled with water at regular intervals.
One of the key challenge that the engineers faced was to lay the tracks in the swampy region between "Matoonga" and "Coorla" (and hence the C which still represents a Kurla local in the Central line) alongside the Duncan Causeway (now Mankikar Marg).
The author lovingly describes every station between VT and Kalyan and highlights the relics that can be looked for in each station. The author also covers, but as quick as a fast train, the stations from Churchgate to Virar/Vasai, but the book definitely belongs to the central railway and the partly the harbour.
A must read for history buffs.
March 14, 2016
It has been years since I've read a book in two sittings. This one is it. "Unputdownable" doesn't quite cut it.
Halt Station India, is a historical biography of the arrival of trains in Bombay. And while sketching this biography of the arrival, birth, and the establishment of the locomotives in Bombay, Mr. Aklekar tells you another story, incidentally. That of the Bombay. And he tells it lovingly. Very lovingly.
I've always loved trains and I've always loved this city. So, you can imagine, this book made twice the sense for me.
16th April 1853, the first passenger train service in India, plied from Byculla to Parel, and the rest, they say is history. Well, this book is about the rest. And of all the events that went in to make this service a reality. The entire narrative that led to this first service, right up to the Mumbai local trains of today, Mr. Aklelkar tells the fascinating story, smoothly and proudly. There is extensive research backing up the story, but is never obtrusive nor does it affect the flow of the narrative.
The trivia, especially of names of places and such, is total treasure. But unlike other books, Mr. Aklekar uses trivia, not as a filler, but to build appropriate context, helping the reader visualise the changes that this great city has undergone over the years. I confess, I have started seeing my city completely differently.
It is also a very human story at the same time, lest you may take this wonderful book to be a drab, chronological sequence of the evolution of trains. Mr. Aklekar has taken the care and the effort to bring forth the people and their stories as he takes us on this rail journey.
Like a master craftsman, Mr. Aklekar has weaved art, architecture, emotions, technology, travels, trains, names, places, people, and spaces. Needless to say if you love trains or Mumbai - this is a great read. Even otherwise, this is an easy and an enjoyable read for all of us who like stories.
Mr. Aklekar, easily is the custodian of the heritage of railways in Bombay, And I am glad for it.
Halt Station India, is a historical biography of the arrival of trains in Bombay. And while sketching this biography of the arrival, birth, and the establishment of the locomotives in Bombay, Mr. Aklekar tells you another story, incidentally. That of the Bombay. And he tells it lovingly. Very lovingly.
I've always loved trains and I've always loved this city. So, you can imagine, this book made twice the sense for me.
16th April 1853, the first passenger train service in India, plied from Byculla to Parel, and the rest, they say is history. Well, this book is about the rest. And of all the events that went in to make this service a reality. The entire narrative that led to this first service, right up to the Mumbai local trains of today, Mr. Aklelkar tells the fascinating story, smoothly and proudly. There is extensive research backing up the story, but is never obtrusive nor does it affect the flow of the narrative.
The trivia, especially of names of places and such, is total treasure. But unlike other books, Mr. Aklekar uses trivia, not as a filler, but to build appropriate context, helping the reader visualise the changes that this great city has undergone over the years. I confess, I have started seeing my city completely differently.
It is also a very human story at the same time, lest you may take this wonderful book to be a drab, chronological sequence of the evolution of trains. Mr. Aklekar has taken the care and the effort to bring forth the people and their stories as he takes us on this rail journey.
Like a master craftsman, Mr. Aklekar has weaved art, architecture, emotions, technology, travels, trains, names, places, people, and spaces. Needless to say if you love trains or Mumbai - this is a great read. Even otherwise, this is an easy and an enjoyable read for all of us who like stories.
Mr. Aklekar, easily is the custodian of the heritage of railways in Bombay, And I am glad for it.
May 30, 2023
Super read on one of Mumbai's greatest success stories. Author has traversed through numerous inter- connected anecdotes that are perfectly representative of the topic at hand.
Will revisit again while actually traveling in a local!
Will revisit again while actually traveling in a local!
March 22, 2021
I didn't finish the book. I read about 40%, skimmed to about 70% and then I put it on the shelf. Yet the rating is 4 star, why?
That's because the book is amazing for people who know about Mumbai Railways. This book will bring a lot of memories and historical references to all the places the Mumbaikers have or is travelling as we speak. For me, whose tryst with the railways is a one off ride, doesn't connect much.
The book is very well research and deep in detail. I loved the part about the Chatrapaji Shivaji Terminal. It was fascinating to read. The same details are there for all other stations and it was just that I couldn't connect.
If you are fascinated by the details about Mumbai Railway and its history, go for this. For those from other parts of India, you may struggle with the information provided.
That's because the book is amazing for people who know about Mumbai Railways. This book will bring a lot of memories and historical references to all the places the Mumbaikers have or is travelling as we speak. For me, whose tryst with the railways is a one off ride, doesn't connect much.
The book is very well research and deep in detail. I loved the part about the Chatrapaji Shivaji Terminal. It was fascinating to read. The same details are there for all other stations and it was just that I couldn't connect.
If you are fascinated by the details about Mumbai Railway and its history, go for this. For those from other parts of India, you may struggle with the information provided.
April 17, 2016
A thoroughly unputdownable book. In a nation which has a poor record of remembering its history, Mr. Aklekar has done a splendid job of documenting the history of the nation's earliest railway lines. While on this endeavour, he has also done a great job in tracing the history of the city of Bombay and some of its forgotten public transportation systems like the Tramways and the railway lines of the port trust. The writing is lucid and this book is not the result of armchair journalism. A great deal of research has gone into this book. I particularly liked the bit where the author retraces his steps along the nation's first railway line, from CST to Thane.
August 31, 2019
Interesting read
This is book is definitely an interesting read, specially for those who likes to know about the past behind our present. Book gives a pretty good overall history of Bombay (Mumbai) through the means of its railway network. Reader will find some interesting historical and some amusing facts about Bombay and its suburbs.
Very detailed and research orientated descriptions sometimes got a little boring for general reader
This is book is definitely an interesting read, specially for those who likes to know about the past behind our present. Book gives a pretty good overall history of Bombay (Mumbai) through the means of its railway network. Reader will find some interesting historical and some amusing facts about Bombay and its suburbs.
Very detailed and research orientated descriptions sometimes got a little boring for general reader
January 20, 2019
A mesmerizing book on the history of railways in Mumbai!!
Never thought reading about the railways would be so interesting.Having traversed so many stations mentioned in the book without realising it's history, is saddening in a way.T hough it has increased my fondness to the local trains even more.
Mr .Aklekar has done thorough justice to Mumbai and it's railways!!👌👌
Never thought reading about the railways would be so interesting.Having traversed so many stations mentioned in the book without realising it's history, is saddening in a way.T hough it has increased my fondness to the local trains even more.
Mr .Aklekar has done thorough justice to Mumbai and it's railways!!👌👌
February 20, 2019
Quintessential book on Bombay's Railway history which forms the base for the Indian Railways. A must read for those who like Indian Railways, Bombay and how the railways shaped this city.
July 8, 2018
Gripping narration, tireless research are the hallmarks of this book. Turning up data from the 19th century n conveying the same to us as if he was an eye witness, wow. Had to complete this cover to cover in 1 sitting. Impressive, interesting for an engineer, or historian, or even just a person who is curious abt 19th century India. Hats off sir. And what's impressive is not even a single lemon in spelling and grammar. 🙏
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