East Indian Railway: 1854/04/15 Progress Report
Note: This is a sub-section of the East Indian Railway
East Indian [1]
We think we may safely state, that the first section of 120 miles of the East Indian Railway, from Calcutta to Raneegunge, may be considered in a fair way towards completion. The portion from Calcutta to Hooghly is now completed, and quite ready for the reception of traffic.
The engine and carriages, however, as we are informed, have but lately been shipped in England, and, though now on their way out, will not, in all probability, arrive here before the end of July. This, of course, must delay the opening, a subject which we have almost grown weary of alluding to.
Beyond Hooghly, the works, though not in a forward state, are progressing favourably. The embankments are in a great measure completed, though in many places the bridges are only just beginning to have their foundations put in.
Approaching Burdwan, the aspect changes. Here all is life and activity. The Burdwan viaduct, numbering some 300 arches, swarms with artificers and labourers. On the morning our informant happened to pass by, he encountered a continuous stream of people proceeding to their work, and was perfectly astonished at the numbers employed. There appears little doubt that the Burdwan viaduct will be completed before the next rains set in. The foundations appeared all set in, the piers all set up, and about 30 of the arches turned.
The Bankah Bridge was also showing visible signs of progress. The abutments and piers are completed, and the iron girders placed across one of the openings. A very short time ought to complete this work.
Beyond Burdwan and towards Raneegunge the whole of the works are, with one or two exceptions, in a very forward state. From the energy and activity new displayed, we may almost venture to expect that this portion of the railway will be completed by about next August. We would therefore urge upon the railway company the necessity of redoubling their exertions to push on those portions that are so very backward, especially near Pundoah, as this will retard the opening of the first section of the line to Raneegunge, which otherwise might be opened for traffic simultaneously throughout. — Calcutta Englishman, March 3.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Morning Post - Saturday 15 April 1854