The Families In British India Society (FIBIS) is a self-help organisation devoted to members researching their British India family history and the background against which their ancestors led their lives in India under British rule. Let FIBIS help you break down those brick walls in your research |
Arakkonam-Conjeevaram Tramway
Arakkonam-Conjeeveram Tramway was a 3'6" gauge line (see Note) which opened in 1865. It ran between Arakkonam and Conjeevaram (now known as Kanchipuram).
This tramway was absorbed the Indian Tramway Co.(ITC) a company that was formed in 1862 to build short lines around Madras, with a 20-year subsidy from the Government of India but no guarantee.
The ITC suffered losses and in 1870 went into liquidation. The lines were taken over by the Carnatic Railway Company, a new company formed for the purpose.
- Note. The 3'6" (1067mm) gauge is most unusual, and why it was adopted on this tramway is unclear. See Rail _gauge for further information. It is thought that the track was converted to metre gauge(MG) in 1878, this would have been undertaken by Carnatic Railway