The Gaekwar’s Baroda State Railway (GBSR) holds a remarkable place in Indian railway history as the first narrow-gauge railway line in the country. Established under the princely state of Baroda, it represents the pioneering efforts of a native ruler in the realm of railway transportation.
Railways in Baroda
During the reign of Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II (1856-1870), the first rail tracks were laid in Baroda. The initial 20-mile railway line connecting Dabhoi to Miyagam was inaugurated in 1862. Initially, oxen were used to haul the trains due to the inadequacy of the rails for steam locomotives.
By 1873, the Dabhoi-Miyagam line was upgraded with stronger rails, making it suitable for steam locomotives. Over the years, Dabhoi evolved into a major rail hub, expanding its network to Chandod, Jambusar, Chhota Udepur, and Timba. Dabhoi became one of the largest narrow-gauge junctions in the world and boasted a significant narrow-gauge steam shed. Additionally, GBSR extended its narrow-gauge lines to Petlad and established a second division in Navsari with isolated lines from Kosamba to Umarpada and Billimora to Waghai. Although initially operated by BB&CI, GBSR took over operations of these lines in 1921.
Dabhoi – The First Narrow Gauge Junction in India
The town of Dabhoi, situated just 30 km from the capital city of Baroda, was a pivotal center in Baroda State. Under the leadership of Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II (1856 – 1870), Dabhoi emerged as the site of India’s first narrow-gauge railway line, marking a historic achievement not only for Baroda but for the entire British Dominion. This pioneering effort involved laying a 2 feet 6 inches gauge line, a significant milestone that elevated Dabhoi onto the global railway map. Although the initial proposal in 1860 aimed to connect Dabhoi with Etola and Vadodara City, it was the Dabhoi-Miyagam line, spanning 32.30 km and inaugurated in 1862, that became the first constructed narrow-gauge line in India. This initiative laid the foundation for the narrow-gauge system and cemented Dabhoi’s status as a key junction in railway history.
Timeline of the Gaekwar’s Baroda State Railway (GBSR)
1855
July: Bombay, Baroda and Central India (BB&CI) Railway Company is incorporated by an Act of Parliament.
November: BB&CI enters into an agreement with the East India Company for railway construction.
Permission Granted: Maharaja Ganpat Rao Gaekwad allows BB&CI to construct railway lines in Baroda State.
1856-1859
Survey: BB&CI surveys link between Miagam and Dabhoi, as part of a broader plan to connect Indore with Bombay.
1860
March 23: Proposal made to connect Dabhoi with the broader gauge network.
1861
January 9: First train reaches Goya Gate, linking Baroda to the BB&CI network.
1862
Initial Construction: Narrow-gauge line of 2 feet 6 inches gauge and 13 lbs rail is completed, connecting Dabhoi to Miyagam (20 miles). Oxen are used to haul the trains due to light rails.
1873
April 8: First steam engine pulls a narrow-gauge train from Miyagam to Dabhoi after the rails are upgraded.
1879
Expansion: Chandod is linked to the network.
1881
Early January: Vishwamitri is connected to the rail network.
1917
February 1: The Bodeli-Chhota Udepur Railway, a joint venture between the Baroda and Chhota Udepur Durbars, is inaugurated. The 36.48 km line costs over a million rupees to build and is initially managed by BB&CI.
1919
March: Goyagate Workshop is established.
1920-1921
Development: Railway staff colony construction begins near Goya Gate Station.
1921
October 1: GBSR takes over the operation and maintenance of the narrow-gauge system.
July: GBSR manages 378.97 miles of open lines, including 341.95 miles of narrow gauge and 37.02 miles of meter gauge.
1930-1931
Railway Institute: A branch of the Railway Institute is opened in the city.
1940
Expansion: Baroda State owns 723 miles of railway lines, with GBSR operating 663.96 miles (355.73 miles narrow gauge and 308.23 miles meter gauge).
1949
Merger: GBSR merges with BB&CI following the merger of Baroda State.
1951
November 5: Western Railway is inaugurated, created from the merger of BB&CI with Saurashtra, Rajputana, and Jaipur Railways.
1956
August 15: Baroda Division is inaugurated under the new divisional system. Its office is located in the same building used by GBSR since October 1, 1921.
Baroda continues to uphold the legacy of GBSR, housing one of the largest locomotive sheds of the Western Railways and the only Railway Staff College in India.
I was born in the Jamnabhi Hospital, Baroda, was a Baroda State subject. I grew up in the Railway Quarters in Goya Gate where my father Mr. W.T.Waters was first taken as the loco Foreman of the Railway Workshops, GBS Rly. I have very happy memories of our beautiful State and now, in my old age
I enjoy the memories of that beautiful State. As I grew older I would ride my bike all over, past the Lakshimi Vilas Palace…and see the Cheetahs being taken for a walk, the University, my Dad designed the little Rly which was ordered for the Yuvraj…we were often permitted to visit the Makapura Palace, so beautiful too. We lived in the Railway Quarters and the last house was No.14….I would love to have some photos of those Railway Quarters and other interesting places. I loved visiting the Museum and Library too. I would like to know if there is a book about Baroda and where I could get it. With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Lynette (Waters) Mendes
Very nice foot prints to transition from dream to reality for vision realization of Gaekwad Dynasty worldwide