National Railway Museum in Delhi
Travel to India > Delhi > National Railway Museum in DelhiIndian Railway has a rich heritage. Introduced by Britishers, the Indian railway has continuously evolved and attained a modern character in the present times. People of India rely heavily on train as a method of transport from one city to another. The Indian railway caters to all classes of Indian society - lower, middle, and upper. Thus National Railway Museum attracts the interest of all kinds of people in India.
National Rail Museum is a tribute to the rail history of India. Located in Chankyapuri, the museum spreads across an area of 9 acres. The museum is big as it houses huge locomotives and engines that have been a part of Indian rail history. The engines and locomotives are displayed in the open area of the museum. Apart from this there is a gallery that has pictures and description of various important events in the rail history of India.
The museum was built in February 1977 and since then it has been a favorite tourist spot. It is particularly popular among the school children who visit the museum in groups and enhance their knowledge about the rich railway heritage of India. It is also popular among foreigners who find the rail history of India very intriguing. Museum is also a favorite haunt for people doing research related to railway and locomotives.
The idea of setting up a railway museum was conceived way back in 1932 when it was to be built in Dehradun. However due to some reason it could not be implemented and finally the railway ministry started making this museum in 1971. The final opening was done in 1977.
With its unique collection and fun-filled environment, the National Rail Museum of Delhi attracts 1,000 visitors everyday. It is one of the rare rail museums in the world and single in Asia.
The museum has a virtual yard to exhibit the locomotives. Almost 100 locomotives and engines have been displayed in the yard. In order to give a real backdrop the museum has been landscaped beautifully with green grass and flowers. The indoor gallery traces the Indian history since it was started. The gallery has pictures, historical documents, fact sheets, dummy models, coat of arms, all set in chronological order to trace the evolution of Indian railway.
Major Attractions Of National Rail Museum:
- Fairy Queen of 1885: Being the first locomotive to be built in India, Fairy Queen is the best of the collections at the museum. It takes us back to the British era and reconnects us to the foundation of Indian rail history.
- Toy Train: Children have lots of fun by riding the toy train at the National Rail Museum. The toy train runs on miniature tracks and takes a round of the museum.
- Historical Locomotives: Historical locomotives have been preserved in the museum. The locomotives are maintained in their working condition. A few of these locomotives are Viceregal Dining Car (1889), Prince of Wales Saloon (1875), Maharaja of Mysore's Saloon (1899), Maharaja of Baroda's Saloon (1886), and others. These carriages remind us of the rich royal lifestyle of the bygone eras.