Great Peninsular Railway Class GIP Steam Locomotive, 1853
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Locomotives |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | May 15, 1976 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 14½ x 14 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 676 Stamp Number IN 722 Yvert et Tellier IN 480 Stanley Gibbons IN 809 |
| Themes | Locomotives | Railways |
The passage you’ve provided beautifully captures the significance of the steam locomotive in India’s industrial and social history. From its humble beginnings in 1851 with the “Thompson” locomotive to the establishment of indigenous manufacturing units like the one in Chittaranjan in 1950, the journey of steam locomotives in India is indeed remarkable.
The description of GIP No 1, the earliest locomotive used in India, adds a nostalgic touch, highlighting its pivotal role in initiating public train services between Bombay and Thana. It’s fascinating how these locomotives, imported from England, laid the foundation for India’s railway network and subsequent industrial and economic development.
The transition from steam to diesel and electric locomotives, as mentioned, reflects global trends in locomotive technology. The establishment of manufacturing units for diesel and electric locomotives in Varanasi and Chittaranjan underscores India’s commitment to technological advancement and self-sufficiency in locomotive production.
The mention of different locomotive classes depicted on stamps, such as GIP No 1, F/1 Metre-Gauge, WP/1 Broad-Gauge, and WDM2 Diesel, provides a glimpse into the diversity and evolution of locomotive designs over the years, each serving its specific purpose in India’s vast railway network.
Overall, the passage elegantly portrays the historical significance of steam locomotives in India and their enduring legacy in shaping the country’s transportation infrastructure and socio-economic landscape.