India
The historical evolution of Eastern Railway headquarters at Fairlie Place | India News – Times of India
Few Bengalis are unfamiliar with the grand structure of the Eastern Railway Head Office bee Fairlie Placea structure known for its British architectural design since colonial times, a shining feather in the cap of the historic district of Dalhousie SquareHowever, prior to its establishment at Fairlie Place it was the headquarters of the Eastern Railway, originally known as the East Indian Railwaywas located on Theatre Road.
In 1879, the East Indian Railway moved its offices to Fairlie Place, a site steeped in history. The earliest map of the area, dated 1794, shows an unnamed road connecting to the old fort quay. With the construction of Fort William in 1773, the British government abandoned the old fort west of what is now the Writers’ Building. The adjacent road became known as Fairlie Place, named after William Fairlie, a prominent businessman of Fairlie, Gilmone & Company, who supplied provisions for the elephants and camels of the army division during Lord Wellesley’s tenure.
Before being taken over by the East Indian Railway, the building on Fairlie Place briefly housed the National Museum. The East Indian Railway established its booking office here, which became known as the Fairlie Place Booking Office. In time, the railway company acquired additional land adjacent to the building, leading to the construction of the sprawling building we see today, with its main entrance opposite the Writers’ Building.
Since its completion, the building has been the headquarters of the East Indian Railway and later its successor, the Eastern Railway. Today, the name Fairlie Place is synonymous not only with the street but also with this iconic building itself, an enduring symbol of the region’s rich historical tapestry.
In 1879, the East Indian Railway moved its offices to Fairlie Place, a site steeped in history. The earliest map of the area, dated 1794, shows an unnamed road connecting to the old fort quay. With the construction of Fort William in 1773, the British government abandoned the old fort west of what is now the Writers’ Building. The adjacent road became known as Fairlie Place, named after William Fairlie, a prominent businessman of Fairlie, Gilmone & Company, who supplied provisions for the elephants and camels of the army division during Lord Wellesley’s tenure.
Before being taken over by the East Indian Railway, the building on Fairlie Place briefly housed the National Museum. The East Indian Railway established its booking office here, which became known as the Fairlie Place Booking Office. In time, the railway company acquired additional land adjacent to the building, leading to the construction of the sprawling building we see today, with its main entrance opposite the Writers’ Building.
Since its completion, the building has been the headquarters of the East Indian Railway and later its successor, the Eastern Railway. Today, the name Fairlie Place is synonymous not only with the street but also with this iconic building itself, an enduring symbol of the region’s rich historical tapestry.
