At that time, it took six hours to travel this distance. As this route was inaugurated, traffic on this stretch increased, much to the surprise of the old-timers of that day! Somebody even composed a couple of songs on this new event!

N.V. Joshi, describing the event, said: ``As soon as this service started, it gave those without any work something to do. The railway, its trips, became the talk of the town. Some naive folks would even bow down in reverence at the sight of the train. Had this happened about 50 years ago, some would have even taken coconuts and money as tokens of their worship to the platform! Thankfully, when the railway actually took off, there weren't many people with such ideas. Though we do come across people who say the train claims one life every one mile.

``What actually happened was that Poona became an important junction en route to Bombay. The rail ensured safe delivery of goods to the port there. Trade flourished. All fears about the railway, that it would create unemployment, that it was dangerous, soon dissipated. In fact, trade flourished consequently''.

The rates of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company in 1888 per mile were: first class - 12 paise, second class - six paise and third class - three paise.

Paying twice the amount of one trip would ensure a return ticket. Seats would be reserved for women. Children below three years did not require a ticket, and those below six would be issued a half-ticket. A sort of coolie was appointed at the station to get down baggage, and he was paid one anna per day. People could claim lost baggage from the railway office for a fee of four annas. At that time, horses were also allowed to be carried by train. One person could accompany a horse. The charges per mile for one horse was two annas, and to transport three horses, four annas were required.