India's First AC Coach Train Began In 1934, Once Cooled With Ice Blocks, Still Runs From...

In today's India, most trains have AC coaches, like Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Vande Bharat. However, before independence, when many amenities were lacking, talking about or travelling on an AC train was a significant event. 

 

India's first AC train was introduced during British rule, before independence. It began on September 1, 1928, and was originally named Punjab Express. 

 

 

The train connected Mumbai to Peshawar which is now in Pakistan. In 1934, air-conditioned coaches were added to this train, and its name was changed to Frontier Mail. 

 

This train still operates today. After the partition of India, the train began running between Mumbai and Amritsar and in 1996, its name was changed to Golden Temple Mail.

 

To keep the coaches cool, ice blocks were used at that time. Ice slabs would be placed on the floor of the coach at the station, and fans would be turned on to circulate the cool air. 

 

The ice would create a chilling effect inside the coach. Once the ice melted, fresh ice slabs would be added at the next station. The placement of the ice boxes was pre-planned.

Indian Railways is one of the world's largest rail networks, serving as the primary mode of transportation in India. Most citisens are truly dependent on railway services for travel and transportation.