International Union of Railways
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | June 30, 1972 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 20 nP |
| Quantity | 3,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 537 Stamp Number IN 553 Yvert et Tellier IN 339 Stanley Gibbons IN 657 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Railways |
The International Union of Railways (UIC), established in 1922, plays a pivotal role in standardizing and enhancing railway operations, particularly concerning international traffic. Comprising principal European Railway Administrations and several administrations outside Europe, the UIC aims to ensure coordination and unity of action among international railway organizations.
Since 1950, the UIC has established four new offices to further its objectives:
- The Office for Research and Experiments (ORE) facilitates technical research pooling.
- The Information and Publicity Centre of the European Railways (CIPCE) manages publicity and public relations for railway activities.
- The International Railway Documentation Bureau (B.D.C.) facilitates information exchange among railways and publishes “International Railways Documentation” in four languages.
- The Railway Films Bureau (B.F.C.) enables information exchange in the field of railway films.
Additionally, the UIC publishes several publications on railway matters, including “Railway International,” a monthly magazine, “Quarterly Railway Statistics,” and “International Railway Statistics.”
Since 1957, the Indian Railways have been associated with the UIC, which recently celebrated its golden jubilee. The celebration included a Colloquium on “Sharing of Railway Knowledge,” presided over by the Chairman of the Indian Railway Board and attended by representatives from railways worldwide.
The Indian Railways, Asia’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest railway system, boast a route length exceeding 60,000 km. As the UIC member with the most extensive route mileage, the Indian Railways hold a significant position within the organization.
To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the International Union of Railways, the Indian Posts and Telecommunications Department issued a commemorative stamp featuring artwork by renowned French artist Georges Mathieu. Known for promoting Lyrical Abstraction and pioneering tachism, Mathieu’s design adds a touch of artistic flair to the stamp, celebrating the UIC’s milestone achievement in the world of rail transport.