Today on account of the 75th anniversary of the great voyage that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose took from his home in Kolkata to Peshawar, we bring you the significance of railways in Netaji’s life. On the morning of January 18, 1941, Netaji disguised himself and left for Gomoh railway station on the Asansol-Gaya section. From there he boarded the Frontier Mail to Peshawar. And what happened next is a part of India’s glorious history.
The other inseparable train instances from Netaji’s life –
- When he was still a young boy around ten years old his teacher put forth a question in the class – What is the difference between a station master and a school master. And do you know what he said? Young Subhash confidently replied “A school teacher trains minds, while a station master minds trains!”
- Trains played an important role in INA’s battles against the British Imperial powers. It is learnt that the advance parties of Regimental Headquarters and the two battalions viz. No 2 and 3 Battalions moved to Rangoon by the train to Mandalay. But due to heavy bombardment trains could travel only by night consequently the progress was slow. Bose would of course visit his troops at halts of troop trains at stations to look after their welfare and progress.
- Gomoh Railway station was rechristened to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Gomoh railway station in 2009 as a remembrance of his historic escape.
- To honor the contributions of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and his INA, Azad Hind Express was started between Kolkata and Pune. This has become one of the most popular trains between these two popular stations.
Just legends live on and become glorious with time, the Great Escape is just one of them.
