The Tatanagar-Howrah Steel Express, fondly known as ‘The Prince of SER’, completed 55 years of service on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a lifeline for passengers traveling between Jamshedpur and Kolkata. To celebrate the occasion, members of the South Eastern Railway Fans Club gathered at Tatanagar station early in the morning to give a ceremonial send-off to the iconic train, which was beautifully adorned with flowers for the special day.
Shashank Shekhar, a representative of the Railway Fans Club, presented a letter to the Tatanagar Station Director, acknowledging the train’s illustrious history and its continued significance in the lives of thousands of commuters.
The Steel Express was introduced on April 1, 1970, in response to growing passenger demand. With Jamshedpur emerging as an industrial hub and Kolkata being a crucial economic and cultural center, there was a pressing need for a fast and efficient train service between the two cities. Thus, the Howrah-Tatanagar Steel Express was born, bridging the distance between the steel city and the capital of Bengal in record time.
Over the decades, the train has witnessed numerous changes, adapting to evolving railway technology. It originally ran with classic ICF rakes and was powered by the legendary WAP-4 and WAM-4 locomotives from the Santragachi and Tatanagar sheds. However, keeping pace with modernization, the train now runs with state-of-the-art LHB coaches, ensuring a smoother and safer journey for passengers. Additionally, it is now hauled by a high-speed WAP-7 three-phase locomotive, making it one of the fastest and most reliable trains on this route.
For over five decades, Steel Express has been the preferred choice for thousands of daily commuters, including business travelers, students, and tourists. Covering a distance of 250 kilometers in approximately four and a half hours, the train has remained unmatched in terms of speed, punctuality, and comfort.
Nicknamed ‘The Prince of SER’ by railway enthusiasts, the train holds an emotional connection with passengers who have relied on it for generations. Many recall fond memories of their first train journey on the Steel Express, while others appreciate its timely service and well-maintained coaches, making it an integral part of their lives.
To commemorate this special occasion, railway enthusiasts, daily passengers, and railway staff came together to celebrate the train’s legacy. Floral decorations, banners, and special messages adorned the coaches, while travelers shared nostalgic stories of their experiences aboard the Steel Express.
Speaking at the event, a senior railway official remarked, “Steel Express is more than just a train, it’s a heritage. It has served generations of passengers with reliability and efficiency, and we are proud to celebrate its 55th anniversary today.”
Railway Fans Club members also expressed their love for the train, highlighting how it has evolved with time yet retained its charm. One fan wrote on social media: “From the thundering WAP-4 to the silent power of WAP-7, from the blue-striped ICF coaches to the sleek LHB rake, the Steel Express has changed with time but continues to reign as the most beloved train of the South Eastern Railway.”
As the Steel Express enters its 56th year, the railway authorities have assured passengers that efforts will continue to improve its service and facilities. Plans for further enhancements, including better passenger amenities and digital ticketing integration, are already underway.
For now, the Steel Express remains the heartbeat of the Jamshedpur-Howrah route, a symbol of trust, efficiency, and nostalgia for millions who have traveled on it over the past 55 years.
