Centenary of South Eastern Railway: Blast Furnace

Centenary of South Eastern Railway Blast Furnace

Technical Data

Stamp Set Centenary of South Eastern Railway
Date of Issue March 28, 1987
Denomination Rs. 1
Quantity 1500000
Perforation comb 13 x 13½
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1087

Stamp Number IN 1150

Yvert et Tellier IN 903

Stanley Gibbons IN 1237

Themes

Commemorative Stamp Set: Centenary of South Eastern Railway

Design Elements

  1. Stamp 1: The Beginnings
    • Image: An illustration of the Nandgaon-Nagpur line, highlighting the meter-gauge railway, representing the early days of the Bengal Railway Company.
    • Background: A map showing the initial routes taken by the railway.
    • Text: “South Eastern Railway – Beginnings” with “1887-1987” to mark the centenary.
  2. Stamp 2: Expansion and Coalfields
    • Image: A depiction of the railway lines reaching the coalfields of Bengal-Bihar and the connection to Asansol.
    • Background: Coal mining imagery and rail tracks.
    • Text: “Connecting Coalfields” with “1887-1987” marking the centenary.
  3. Stamp 3: Linking the East Coast
    • Image: A train traveling on the East Coast section, linking to Madras and Puri.
    • Background: Scenic views of the east coast, including Puri.
    • Text: “East Coast Link” with “1887-1987” marking the centenary.
  4. Stamp 4: Modern Achievements
    • Image: A modern train representing the current South Eastern Railway, with highlights of major steel plants like Tatanagar, Rourkela, and Bhilai.
    • Background: Industrial scenes and rail infrastructure.
    • Text: “Modern Achievements” with “1887-1987” marking the centenary.

Cultural and Historical Significance

  • Recognition of Growth and Development: The stamps will commemorate the railway’s evolution from its inception to its current state, showcasing its significant contribution to India’s transportation and industrial sectors.
  • Highlighting Economic Impact: By depicting various stages of the railway’s expansion and its role in connecting important industrial regions, the stamps will underline its importance in the economic growth of the regions it traverses.
  • Celebration of Heritage: The stamps will serve as a tribute to the rich history and cultural heritage of the regions served by the South Eastern Railway.

Usage

  • Postal Circulation: The stamps will be used in regular postal circulation, promoting awareness of the South Eastern Railway’s legacy and its contributions to India’s development.
  • Philatelic Collections: These stamps will be a valuable addition to philatelic collections, especially for those interested in Indian railway history and industrial heritage.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set

  • Educational Value: The stamps will educate the public about the historical milestones of the South Eastern Railway, its impact on various states, and its role in India’s industrial progress.
  • Cultural Representation: The stamps will celebrate the cultural and economic heritage of the regions connected by the railway, emphasizing the importance of transportation in national development.

Example of the Stamp Design

The commemorative stamp set might include:

  1. Stamp 1: The Beginnings:
    • Visual Representation: An illustration of the Nandgaon-Nagpur line and a map showing the early routes.
    • Cultural Elements: Background elements showing the early days of the Bengal Railway Company.
  2. Stamp 2: Expansion and Coalfields:
    • Visual Representation: Depiction of the railway lines reaching the coalfields and the connection to Asansol.
    • Cultural Elements: Imagery of coal mining and rail tracks.
  3. Stamp 3: Linking the East Coast:
    • Visual Representation: A train on the East Coast section, linking to Madras and Puri.
    • Cultural Elements: Scenic views of the east coast.
  4. Stamp 4: Modern Achievements:
    • Visual Representation: A modern train with highlights of major steel plants.
    • Cultural Elements: Industrial scenes and rail infrastructure.

Significance

The issuance of this stamp set will commemorate the centenary of the South Eastern Railway, celebrating its history, growth, and contributions to India’s transportation and industrial sectors. It will serve as a lasting tribute to the railway’s legacy and its impact on the regions it connects.