The concept of the subway train was first realized in the 19th century, and the world’s first underground railway, known as the Metropolitan Railway, was opened in London in 1863. The idea was championed by Charles Pearson, a lawyer and city planner, who believed that an underground railway could alleviate the congestion on London’s busy streets.
The construction was undertaken by a group of engineers led by John Fowler, and the first trains ran using steam power. Although the introduction of the subway system faced significant challenges, including safety concerns and engineering difficulties, it was an instant success, providing a model for future urban transport systems around the globe. This pioneering work laid the foundation for modern subway systems that we see in cities today.