The Old Bombay. Trivia/Pictures/History Facts and Timeline. Heritage structures of Mumbai
01/06/2026
On this day in 1912, the legendary Punjab Mail commenced service from Ballard Pier Mole Station, Mumbai, connecting the city with Peshawar in the northwest frontier of British India.
The train covered an impressive 2,496 km in about 47 hours via the GIP Railway route. During the pre-Partition era, it was regarded as the fastest train in British India, symbolising speed, prestige and the growing railway network that connected the subcontinent.
01/06/2026
1930: India’s first super fast train, Deccan Queen turns 96 today.
First service of train was from Kalyan to Pune
Mumbai in 2030….third airport, BKC as command centre, Versova connected, Gateway to Chowpatty transformed.
CM Devendra Fadnavis laid out his vision at Mumbai Tech Week last week, and it’s ambitious.
What do you think will actually happen by 2030?
29/05/2026
Mumbai, 1957.
A Government of India tourist guide showcasing the city through its landmarks, maps and essential information. A glimpse into a Mumbai of 28 lakh people, long before the digital age.
See India: Guide to Bombay (1957) from my collection.
28/05/2026
1980s Mumbai: The daily race to reach Churchgate station in time for the 5:30 pm local home.
Photos by Ajay Ghatage
27/05/2026
Today in 1951, Taraporevala Aquarium in Mumbai was inaugurated by then President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad
22/05/2026
22 May 1936: the foundation stone of Brabourne Stadium was laid
22/05/2026
Santa Cruz airport in 1980s.
Photos by Ajay Ghatage
21/05/2026
A newspaper report from January 25, 1972 announced a hike in prices of Ambassador, Fiat and Standard cars following a Government refixation of ex-factory prices after a Supreme Court judgment.
New prices announced then:
🚘 Ambassador — ₹16,946
🚘 Fiat 1100-D — ₹15,946
A reminder of an era when these cars dominated Indian roads and automobile choices were few, but iconic.
21/05/2026
Two views of Bandra railway Station during Bandra feast. Pilgrims alighting for their journey up to Mount Mary’s, and vintage taxis waiting expectantly for customers. Photos taken in the early 1930s.
From the book “The Story of the Bandra Fair”, by Olga Valladares.