On a sunny afternoon, a small number of passengers wait for their train at Walajah Road railway station, nearly 30 km from the heart of Vellore city. Little did they know that the station has a story to narrate, one that dates back to more than a century.
Exactly 160 years ago, though the date of July 1 is contested, with some historians pegging it at late June, a train with 300-odd passengers chugged into the Walajah Road railway station (then known as Arcot) from Madras, scripting a new chapter in the annals of railway history.
Today, the station, perhaps one of the oldest in the country, is stoppage for 16 pairs of trains throughout the day. At least, 2,000 persons wait on its platforms everyday to get on with their journey.
“According to records, the first rail line was from Royapuram to Arcot, which later came to be known as Walajah. The Walajah Road railway station was inaugurated on June 26, 1856,” V. Sriram, historian, said.
Old charm
Stepping into its 161st year of existence, the station is devoid of any grandeur but for its old charm. The architecture of the old structure that houses the office of the station manager and station master stands testimony to its historical significance.
The staff are happy to be part of this landmark station.
As K. Ravindranath, station manager, said, “It is a proud feeling to be part of Walajah Road railway station.”
