History of Indian Railways – Metre-gauge adoption In India, the metre-gauge (MG) permanent way was formally adopted in which year?

Introduction / Context:
Knowledge of historical milestones helps engineers understand why legacy infrastructure varies by region. Metre-gauge (1000 mm) lines were built extensively in the subcontinent, and many competitive questions ask the year of adoption.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are seeking the formal adoption year of the MG permanent way in India.
• Options focus on the mid-to-late 19th century period.

Concept / Approach:
Historical exam keys and classic permanent-way texts commonly cite 1871 as the year associated with MG adoption policy and rollout momentum, preceding major MG construction (e.g., Rajputana–Malwa lines in the 1870s).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the typical reference year used in standard question banks.Correlate with known MG expansion occurring in the early-to-mid 1870s.Select 1871 as the formal adoption year.

Verification / Alternative check:
Multiple railway history compendiums and exam resources point to the early 1870s decision framework, commonly rounded to 1871 in MCQs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 1855/1860/1866: too early relative to MG policy adoption and network build-out timelines.
• 1875: post-dates standard references typically quoted in exams.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing first openings/sections with the formal adoption year; mixing construction milestones of specific lines with the policy adoption date.

Final Answer:
1871