INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2022: Indian Railways completed 169 years of service for the country last month. India’s first passenger train ran from Bori Bunder to Thane on April 16, 1853, over a distance of 34 km. One of the most preferred modes of transport for the people of India, the national carrier is not just a railway network, but a journey of memories, stories and unforgettable moments. The rich heritage of the railways is well preserved in several museums across the country.
On International Museum Day today, here’s a look at some of the must-visit museums to witness Indian Railways’ 169-year heritage.
THE NATIONAL RAIL MUSEUM, DELHI
है दिल्ली का राष्ट्रीय रेल संग्रहालय हमारा,
भारतीय रेल की गौरवशाली विरासत का नजारा।#RailMuseum pic.twitter.com/YdGNOtUESt— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) May 11, 2022
Every year more than 5 lakh people visit the National Rail Museum in Delhi. It has a replica of a railway yard with an outer gallery of diesel, steam and electric locomotives. There are also wagons, armored trains, royal saloons and railcars on display.
An interactive exhibit in the covered gallery also showcases the stories related to early modes of transport. Visitors can also enjoy the train/motorcycle simulator rides.
MYSURU RAIL MUSEUM
After Delhi, the second railway museum in India was located in Mysuru. Established in 1976, the museum houses an Austin railcar, steam engine, royal carriages used by Maharaja of Mysuru, signaling systems, paintings, and other artifacts related to railways. It has a battery powered toy train.
CHENNAI RAIL MUSEUM
Inaugurated in 2002, the Chennai Rail Museum has a collection of locomotives from the pre-independence era to the current upgraded engines in use. In addition to vintage coaches, the museum has a dedicated art gallery with artwork on the trail. The museum also has a toy train for visitors. A micro-steam engine and an office annex house on rails built in 1921 are the attractions.
SMALLGAUGE RAIL MUSEUM, NAGPUR
One place not to be missed on your next trip to the Orange City Nagpur is the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum. On display is a beautiful 1916 Bagnall steam locomotive, a number of beautiful paintings depicting the journey of the Indian Railways and the star attraction is a toy train that traverses the periphery of the museum area.
RAIL MUSEUM, GORAKHPUR
Opened in 2007, the museum’s main attraction is the 1874-built Lord Lawrence Steam Engine. A gallery of clicks, furniture, library and uniforms worn by railway workers from past to present. It also has an array of vintage motorcycles, equipment, and rare documents.
DIGITAL MUSEUMS
Indian Railways also plans to set up ‘digital museums’ at 22 oldest and most prominent stations across the country. Of the 22, 11 will be in Uttar Pradesh. Earlier this year, the concept was dry tested at the railway stations of Jaipur, Katihar and Agra Cantonment and Erode. It was announced in parliament earlier this year by Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw.
VIEW THE RICH HERITAGE OF INDIAN RAILWAYS HERE
Indian Railways tweeted videos that “provided a glimpse into the interior galleries, featuring exclusive photos and railway artifacts in several railway museums across the country,” and “the beautiful and vibrant gardens of the railway museums across India.” Check them out below:
A look at the interior galleries, featuring exclusive photographs and railroad artifacts in several railroad museums across the country. #IMD2022 #RailMuseum pic.twitter.com/ao784YbC0x
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) May 16, 2022
See the beautiful and vibrant gardens of the railway museums across India. #RailMuseum #IMD2022 pic.twitter.com/9Wexib8DaC
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) May 15, 2022
International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18.
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