2003 - Glorious 150 Years of Railways | Commemorative Coin

The 4th commemorative coin for the year 2003 was released to celebrate the 150 Glorious Years of Indian Railways.

Indian Railways, a government-owned entity overseen by the Ministry of Railways, is the primary railway operator in India, responsible for the majority of the nation's rail transport infrastructure.

With an extensive network comprising over 64,215 kilometers of track and 7,083 stations, Indian Railways boasts the world's fourth-largest railway system, surpassed only by the United States, Russia, and China. This vast network spans the entire length and breadth of the country, facilitating the daily transportation of more than 30 million passengers and 2.8 million tons of freight. As one of the largest commercial employers globally, it sustains a workforce exceeding 1.6 million employees.

In terms of rolling stock, Indian Railways possesses a formidable fleet, including over 230,000 freight wagons, 60,000 coaches, and 9,000 locomotives. The railways play a pivotal role in the economic and social fabric of the nation, connecting diverse regions and communities.

Railways were first introduced to India in 1853 by British companies, and by the time of India's independence in 1947, there were forty-two separate rail systems. In 1951, a significant milestone occurred as these systems were nationalized and amalgamated into a singular unit, forming one of the most extensive and intricate railway networks globally. Indian Railways operates a multi-gauge network encompassing broad, meter, and narrow gauges, managing both long-distance and suburban rail systems. Additionally, it owns facilities for locomotive and coach production.

A symbolic representation in the form of a commemorative features Bholu, an elephant, serving as the Guard and carrying a Lantern. This imagery harks back to traditional signaling systems employed until the advent of electricity, highlighting the rich historical tapestry woven into the fabric of Indian Railways.

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