The Print Essential

International Museum Day 2022: Must-see museums of Indian Railways with 169 years of heritage on display

May 18, 2022
Bharat Times

International Museum Day 2022: Indian Railways completed 169 years of service to the country last month. India’s first passenger train ran from Bori Bunder to Thane on April 16, 1853, covering a distance of 34 km. One of the most preferred modes of transport for the people of India, the national transporter is not just a rail network, but a journey of memories, stories and unforgettable moments. The rich heritage of Railways is preserved in various museums across the country.

Today on International Museum Day, here is a look at some of the museums that you must visit to see the 169 years of heritage of Indian Railways.

National Rail Museum, Delhi

More than 5 lakh people visit the National Rail Museum in Delhi every year. It has a replica of a railway yard with an outdoor gallery displaying diesel, steam and electric locomotives. There are also wagons, armored trains, royal saloons and rail cars on display.

An interactive display in the indoor gallery also displays stories related to the earliest means of transportation. Visitors can also enjoy train/engine simulator rides.

Mysuru Rail Museum

(Image: Twitter/Ministry of Railways)

The second railway museum established in India after Delhi was in Mysore. Established in 1976, the museum houses Austin rail motor cars, steam engines, royal coaches used by the Maharaja of Mysore, signaling systems, paintings and other railway-related artifacts. It has a battery operated toy train.

Chennai Rail Museum

(Image: Twitter/Ministry of Railways)
(Image: Twitter/Ministry of Railways)

Inaugurated in 2002, the Chennai Rail Museum houses a collection of train locomotives in use from the pre-independence era to the current advanced locomotives. Along with the old coaches, the museum has a dedicated art gallery displaying railroad artwork. The museum also has a toy train for visitors. A micro steam engine and an office-cum-home on rail built in 1921 are attractions.

Narrow Gauge Rail Museum, Nagpur

(Image: Twitter/Ministry of Railways)
(Image: Twitter/Ministry of Railways)

A must visit place on your next trip to Orange City Nagpur is the Narrow Gauge Rail Museum. On display is a beautiful 1916 Bagnall steam locomotive, some beautiful paintings showcasing the journey of the Indian Railways and the star attraction is a toy train that takes to the periphery of the museum area.

Rail Museum, Gorakhpur

(Image: Twitter/Ministry of Railways)
(Image: Twitter/Ministry of Railways)

Opened in 2007, the highlight of the museum is the Lord Lawrence steam engine built in 1874. A gallery depicting clicks, furniture, libraries and uniforms worn by railway employees from past to present. It also houses a range of old engines, equipment and rare documents.

digital museum

Indian Railways is also planning to set up ‘Digital Museums’ at 22 oldest and most prominent stations across the country. Out of 22, 11 will come to Uttar Pradesh. The concept was dry tested at the beginning of the year at Jaipur, Katihar, and Agra Cantonment and Erode railway stations. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav had announced this in Parliament earlier this year.

Check out the rich heritage of Indian Railways here

Indian Railways tweeted the videos giving “a glimpse into the interior galleries showcasing exclusive photographs and railway artifacts in various rail museums across the country” and “beautiful and vibrant gardens of rail museums across India”. Check them out below:

International Museum Day is celebrated every year on 18 May.

read all Breaking News , today’s fresh news And IPL 2022 Live Updates Here.