where was the electricity supply first introduced in india
Where was the electricity supply first introduced in India?
Answer:
The introduction of electricity in India marks a significant milestone in the country’s industrial and technological history. The first city in India to receive electricity was Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). This monumental event occurred on 24 July 1879 when the first electric light was installed at the residence of the then-Governor, Sir Ashley Eden. However, this was only a demonstration.
The first public electricity supply in India was established on a larger scale in the city of Darjeeling in 1887. Here, a small hydropower plant was set up to provide electricity to the local area. Nevertheless, the most notable and significant supply of electricity commenced in Mumbai (formerly Bombay).
On 7 January 1905, the Kalyan Junction became the first railway station in India to receive electric supply from the Khopoli power station, a hydroelectric project by the Tata Electric Companies. However, the overall electrification of the city of Mumbai began with the establishment of the first electric tram service on 7 May 1907, fundamentally transforming the landscape of Indian urban development.
Final Answer:
- First Demonstration of Electricity: Kolkata (Calcutta) - 24 July 1879
- First Public Electricity Supply: Darjeeling - 1887
- Major City-wide Electrification: Mumbai (Bombay) - Starting in1882 with the first tram service in 1907
This marks Mumbai as the first city in India to have an extensive electricity supply infrastructure, paving the way for other cities to follow.