INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1844, Lord Hardinge had led the privatisation of the railway system in the country. The East India Company then created two rail companies which had investors from the Victorian United Kingdom. The main aim of introduction of the railway system in India by the British was to earn profits and not benefit the Indians.

Detailed explanation-2: -The first railway on Indian sub-continent ran over a stretch of 21 miles from Bombay to Thane. The idea of a railway to connect Bombay with Thane, Kalyan and with the Thal and Bhore Ghats inclines first occurred to Mr. George Clark, the Chief Engineer of the Bombay Government, during a visit to Bhandup in 1843.

Detailed explanation-3: -The title ‘Father of Indian Railways’ was given to Lord Dalhousie. He was the Governor-General of India between the period of 1848 to 1856. He convinced the British to introduce a Railway network in India and is thus called the father of Indian Railways.

Detailed explanation-4: -Therefore, we owe much to Lord Dalhousie. Because of Lord Dalhousie’s efforts, an best-organized Asian railway network had emerged in 1850. Although Lord Dalhousie had been the precursor; but ‘The Great Indian Peninsula Railway’ had been the forerunner of Indian Railway’s network.

Detailed explanation-5: -The correct answer is Lord Dalhousie. The first railway line between Bombay and Thane was opened in 1853. And in the same year, Calcutta and Agra were connected by telegraph. His other reforms include setting up of P.W.D. and passing of the Widow Remarriage Act (1856).