The big clock of Howrah station is more or less known to the railway passengers.
It is situated at a place which now serves as a landmark. If you listen around the clock, you can hear one thing. 'Here I am, standing by the big clock. Come here.'
All watches tell time. However, this clock of Howrah station not only tells the time but also connects many people as a landmark. Although many people have seen this Clock, many do not know the ancient history of this watch. In fact, many people today can call this Clock 'Dadathakur' (Grandfather). Because it is older than most. Let's find out
History of Clocks:
This Clock was made before the start of World War II. This Clock is a witness of many history till India's freedom struggle and independence of the country. It was born when the steam engine was the king of Indian railways. This large clock was made in 1926.
How and where is the Clock:
The Clock has two faces. One side of the Clock faces platforms 1 to 8 and the other faces platforms 9 to 15. The Clock is mounted on a heavy iron frame and attached to the side wall of the station manager's office.
How is the Clock hinge and who made it:-
East Railway says the watch was made by the "Gents" company of London. At first, this clock had to be struck regularly. The Clock was powered by a remote controlled pulsar device. Later in 1975, the watch was converted from mechanical to electro-mechanical. Since then, the Clock has been powered by a rechargeable battery. Now this Clock no longer requires turning the key.
This ancient Clock keeps accurate time even after 96 years. Many passengers used to match their watch time with it (nowadays online time is available on mobiles not so much). Almost 9 decades later it still shows the correct time. This clock at Howrah station has now become part of the heritage.
It has now evolved into a common folk narcissism.
