Great Indian Peninsula Railway: Construction

Note: This is a sub-section of Great Indian Peninsula Railway

See Faviell and Fowler

1850 December. Henry Fowler left for Bombay. 'The first turf was turned at Bombay, on the 31st of October, 1850.'

1851 February. William Frederick Faviell, after collecting materials and assistants for the work, left for India to actively prosecute the work, which though not a long or a heavy contract, was a new and strange enterprise to carry out in that country.

Mr. Fowler’s health failed after a few months’ exposure to the climate of India, and compelled his return to England. The execution of the contract then devolved entirely upon Mr. Faviell, and was completed to the satisfaction of the Company.

1851 Mr. Jackson was contractor at the other end of the line.

1852 March: 'Mr Faviell was working single-handed, his partner having gone to England for the benefit of his health. Mr. Faviell was then dependent principally on native labour: the men are scarce, and, in the rice-harvest time, always difficult to manage...'

1853 April 16th. The line opened for traffic.

c.1857 Construction of the Bhore Ghat incline

1859 November. Solomon Tredwell was awarded a contract for further construction of the line.

1859 November 30th. Within fifteen days of landing in India, Solomon died. His wife, Alice Tredwell, took over the contract and appointed Messrs Adamson and Clowser to manage the contract for her in her absence, as she returned to England.

1860 Mr Jackson died after attempting but failing to complete the bridge at Godavery, near Nassick, before the arrival of the monsoons.

c.1861 Construction of the Thul Ghat incline.

c.1867 Messrs Adamson and Clowser gained a contract for the extension of the Railway from Sholapore to Goolburgah, in the direction of Madras.

Later they gave up the contract. The Railway Company decided to complete the works itself.

See Also

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