Metropolitan Railway
Quick Summary
The Metropolitan Railway, which opened on January 10, 1863, was the first underground railway in London and the world. It was initially built using the "cut-and-cover" method, involving open trenches that were later covered over. Despite using steam locomotives that produced fumes, the line was an immediate success, carrying millions of passengers in its first year. This innovation paved the way for the development of the extensive London Underground system, commonly known as the Tube. The system has since been electrified and expanded significantly, serving over a billion passengers annually and connecting around 270 stations.123
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