Amritsar, August 31: As the Golden Temple Mail, previously known as the Frontier Mail, prepares to mark its 96th anniversary on September 1, many passengers remain unaware of the train’s rich history. Originally launched on this day in 1928 by the British-Indian government, the train was celebrated as a remarkable achievement, being the longest train link in the Indian subcontinent.
The Frontier Mail’s journey began on October 7, 1927, when the Bombay, Baroda, and Central India Railway Company, in collaboration with the North Western Railway Company, introduced the train, connecting Bombay (now Mumbai) to Peshawar via Delhi and Lahore. In September 1996, the iconic Frontier Mail was officially renamed the Golden Temple Mail, a name that has carried forward its legacy.
Although the train’s former glory has faded over time, its appeal and charm continue to resonate with loyal passengers. Railway officials recall that the original route took the train through Bathinda, Ferozepur, and Lahore to Peshawar, now in Pakistan. However, starting from March 1, 1930, the route was adjusted to pass through Saharanpur, Ambala, and Amritsar—a route it continues to follow to this day. Following the Partition, the train’s final destination was shortened to Amritsar.
In its heyday, the Frontier Mail was celebrated as India’s fastest long-distance train, earning international recognition. The London Times in 1930 described it as “one of the most famous express trains under the British Empire.” Its punctuality was legendary, so much so that it was said your Rolex watch might fail, but not the Frontier Mail. The British authorities took its timing so seriously that in August 1929, just 11 months after its inauguration, the train’s 15-minute delay caused a significant uproar in railway circles. The train’s punctuality was a point of pride, with people often setting their watches by its arrival.
The Frontier Mail also set standards in luxury travel. The train’s dining car was a symbol of elegance, featuring ceiling fans, white damask tablecloths, and white napkins. Passengers dined with silver cutlery and exquisite crockery, with crystal fruit platters on each table. The attention to detail extended to having different forks and knives for each course.
In 1934, the Frontier Mail became one of the first trains in India to introduce an air-conditioned car. Although basic by today’s standards, this early air-conditioning system used ice blocks stored in sealed containers beneath the car floor. The ice was replenished at various stops, and a battery-operated blower circulated the cold air through insulated vents into the carriages.
As the Golden Temple Mail celebrates 96 years of service, its rich history and enduring charm continue to make it a beloved icon of Indian railways. The legacy of this train lives on, reflecting a time when train travel was synonymous with luxury, punctuality, and an unforgettable journey across the Indian subcontinent.
