A passenger train service started by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR), a British company, between Boree Bunder station in Bombay and Tannah (now Thane) formally marked the birth of railways in India. The GIPR was India’s and Asia’s first railway. The service started on April 16, 1853, covered a distance of 34 km.

Extending the railway line from there towards Poona (Pune) was a risky task because of the steep gradients of the mountainous Bhore Ghat in the Western Ghats. Bhore Ghat stretch was said to be one of the most challenging jobs ever done by the Indian railways.

Many refused to take up the task and some gave it up after a trial. Winning over the challenges, finally it was completed in 1863. History says it wouldn’t have been possible but for the dogged efforts and sheer determination of Alice Tredwell, the wife of a renowned contractor from the United Kingdom.