It was initially designed for the Indian Railways' 150th anniversary commemoration events and was unveiled on 16 April 2002 in Bangalore.

On that day, Bholu flagged off the Karnataka Express at 6.25 pm from platform number 1 of the Bangalore city station.

[1] According to the Indian Government (Railway Board)'s Manual for Public Relations Department (2007), Bholu was designated for official use effective 15 April 2002.

[1] An Indian Government official release in 2003 described Bholu as an "ethical, responsible, sincere and cheerful icon".

[5] In 2003 the Indian Government released a two-(₹) rupee coin which carried the impression of Bholu on its reverse side.