This Railway Line in India Is Still Owned by the British - And We’re Paying for It
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A forgotten colonial-era railway line in Maharashtra still carries the legacy of British ownership, decades after Independence.
India’s railways are celebrated as one of the largest networks in the world, connecting millions of people daily. But hidden in Maharashtra lies a fascinating anomaly - a railway track still under British ownership. More than seven decades after Independence, India continues to pay an annual royalty to a UK-based firm for this stretch of railway.
The Colonial Legacy of Shakuntala Railway
The 190-km Shakuntala Railway line, running between Yavatmal and Achalpur, was built between 1903 and 1913 to transport cotton from Amravati to Mumbai’s ports before being shipped to Manchester’s textile mills. Constructed by Killick Nixon & Company , the line was operated through its subsidiary, the Central Province Railway Company (CPRC). Unlike most private railway networks, which were nationalised in 1951, this one remained under British ownership - a rare colonial holdover.
The Shakuntala Passenger: A Lifeline for Locals
For years, the only train on this track was the Shakuntala Passenger, which covered the entire 190 km stretch in nearly 20 hours, stopping at 17 stations. Despite its slow pace, it was vital for residents of the region, offering affordable travel options. Services have been halted in recent years as the government plans to convert the track to broad gauge, but locals still demand its return.
From Steam to Diesel: A Century of Operation
The line originally relied on a Manchester-made steam engine dating back to 1921, which served the route for more than seven decades. It wasn’t until 1994 that diesel engines replaced steam power. During the colonial era, operations were managed by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, before Killick Nixon took over management under the banner of Shakuntala Railways .
Manpower and Old-School Operations
Surprisingly, the entire line was managed by just seven employees. Staff carried out almost every task manually - from signalling and engine shifting to selling tickets. Often, the train guard himself doubled up as the ticket clerk due to a shortage of personnel.
Annual Royalty and Neglected Maintenance
Even today, the Indian government pays around ₹1.2 crore annually to Killick Nixon for this railway. Despite this, the British company has been accused of neglecting maintenance, leaving the track in poor condition. Negotiations about the future of this unusual ownership arrangement are reportedly ongoing.
A Colonial Relic in Modern India
The Shakuntala Railway remains a living reminder of India’s colonial past. While Indian Railways has grown into a modern network, this line still symbolises a unique historical tie with Britain - one that continues to cost India money every year.
India’s railways are celebrated as one of the largest networks in the world, connecting millions of people daily. But hidden in Maharashtra lies a fascinating anomaly - a railway track still under British ownership. More than seven decades after Independence, India continues to pay an annual royalty to a UK-based firm for this stretch of railway.
The Colonial Legacy of Shakuntala Railway
The 190-km Shakuntala Railway line, running between Yavatmal and Achalpur, was built between 1903 and 1913 to transport cotton from Amravati to Mumbai’s ports before being shipped to Manchester’s textile mills. Constructed by Killick Nixon & Company , the line was operated through its subsidiary, the Central Province Railway Company (CPRC). Unlike most private railway networks, which were nationalised in 1951, this one remained under British ownership - a rare colonial holdover.
The Shakuntala Passenger: A Lifeline for Locals
For years, the only train on this track was the Shakuntala Passenger, which covered the entire 190 km stretch in nearly 20 hours, stopping at 17 stations. Despite its slow pace, it was vital for residents of the region, offering affordable travel options. Services have been halted in recent years as the government plans to convert the track to broad gauge, but locals still demand its return.
From Steam to Diesel: A Century of Operation
The line originally relied on a Manchester-made steam engine dating back to 1921, which served the route for more than seven decades. It wasn’t until 1994 that diesel engines replaced steam power. During the colonial era, operations were managed by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, before Killick Nixon took over management under the banner of Shakuntala Railways .
Manpower and Old-School Operations
Surprisingly, the entire line was managed by just seven employees. Staff carried out almost every task manually - from signalling and engine shifting to selling tickets. Often, the train guard himself doubled up as the ticket clerk due to a shortage of personnel.
Annual Royalty and Neglected Maintenance
Even today, the Indian government pays around ₹1.2 crore annually to Killick Nixon for this railway. Despite this, the British company has been accused of neglecting maintenance, leaving the track in poor condition. Negotiations about the future of this unusual ownership arrangement are reportedly ongoing.
A Colonial Relic in Modern India
The Shakuntala Railway remains a living reminder of India’s colonial past. While Indian Railways has grown into a modern network, this line still symbolises a unique historical tie with Britain - one that continues to cost India money every year.
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