Railways features iconic stations and events to mark 75 years of freedom

‘Azaadi ki Rail Gaadi aur Stations’ under the umbrella of ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – Iconic week celebrations begin Monday on Central Railway and Western

Central Railway gave a memorable start to the iconic ‘Azaadi ki Rail Gaadi aur Stations’ event week with various activities held as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations on Monday at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai.

The iconic CSMT station was lit up and the historic Punjab Mail was flagged down by freedom fighters amid various cultural activities on Monday.

Anant Laxman Gurav and Motilal Shankar Ghongade, along with the families of 7 other freedom fighters, left the historic Punjab Mail from Platform No. 18, CSMT, in the presence of Anil Kumar Lahoti, Managing Director and Shalabh Goel, Divisional Director of Railways, Mumbai Division. All freedom fighters and their families were congratulated at the event.

Speaking to the media, Managing Director Lahoti said, “The railways have played an important role in the movement for freedom. It is a matter of pride that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Pune, Satara and Nashik Road Stations of Central Railway and Punjab Mail and Hutatma Express of Central Railway have been selected to be part of this “Azaadi ki Rail Gaadi aur Stations” event. .

The oldest and one of the most prestigious trains on the Central Railway, the Punjab Mail was one of 27 trains selected by Indian Railways to be decorated and signaled as part of the celebrations. The Punjab Mail, which had its first exit from Ballard Pier Mole station on June 1, 1912, recently completed 110 years of service.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, city icon and headquarters of the Central Railway, was one of 75 railway stations selected as one of the most photographed buildings in India and was specially illuminated to commemorate this historic occasion.

Similarly, to celebrate the week, out of the 75 stations of Indian Railways, 5 Western Railways (WR) stations have been chosen which hold national importance during the various stages of the freedom struggle of India. ‘India. These stations have been decorated and will be illuminated in tricolor during the week.

The 5 WR stations that have been chosen are Porbandar known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi; Sabarmati famous for Sabarmati Ashram, which was established by Mahatma Gandhi to promote cottage industries; Navsari is where Mahatma Gandhi challenged the British government’s salt law. This incident is a milestone in the struggle for freedom; Adas Road – Following Bapu’s values ​​of non-violence, 5 freedom fighters attained martyrdom in Quit India movement at this place; Bardoli – The Bardoli Satyagraha under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for Bardoli farmers against unjust tax increases during the British Raj was a major episode of civil disobedience in the Indian independence movement.

Digital screens showing short films about the struggle for freedom have been installed in these stations to raise awareness of the country’s history. Patriotic songs, street plays and light sound shows were staged at these stations.

In addition to these, selfie points have also been set up at these stations and photo exhibitions are also held.