Delhi

Overview- For the past two centuries, Indian Railways has been one of the country’s most prominent modes of transportation. The Indian rail network is one of the world’s largest. However, have you ever wondered about the functioning of Indian Railways? What technologies are employed in the operation of the rail network? How has the railway system evolved over time? If you want to find out the answers to these and other questions about the Indian Railway Network, you should go to the National Rail Museum. The National Railway Museum, located in Delhi, is a special institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of India’s rich railway heritage, which spans over 160 years. This remarkable museum is home to a captivating assortment of more than 100 life-sized artifacts from the Indian Railways. The collection includes vintage locomotives, both static and functioning models, historic photographs, signaling equipment, antique furniture, and literature connected to the railways. At the National Rail Museum, visitors have the opportunity to explore India’s railway legacy through exclusive displays and exhibits. The museum not only showcases the country’s unique railway heritage but also provides train rides and demonstrates the technical advancements and innovations that have been implemented in the railway system over the years. It’s a comprehensive experience that offers a glimpse into the past while highlighting the progress made in railway technology. The museum offers an exotic and enthralling experience to visitors. The National Rail Museum was established on February 1st, 1977, and occupies an area of 11 acres. It boasts an impressive collection of railway memorabilia that offers both a fun experience and an opportunity for learning for kids and adults too. The museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a toy ride inside the museum, which allows visitors to go around the entire museum and see all of the exhibits in one go. During the ride, visitors can witness attractions such as the Steam Simulator, Diesel Simulator, and Coach Simulator. The Fairy Queen is one of the most popular exhibits at the museum. Built in 1855, it is considered one of the best-preserved steam locomotive engines from its time. The museum also offers other exciting experiences, such as a joy train, a monorail (PSMT) ride, and boating. The National Rail Museum, also known as Delhi Rail Museum, is a popular destination for people of all ages with approximately 5 lakh visitors per year. It is India’s first Transport museum. It also features an auditorium, which can accommodate 200 people, where workshops and documentaries are sometimes presented. History- In 1962, the idea for the Rail Museum was first developed. Nevertheless, with the help of rail enthusiast Michael Graham, the concept began to take shape in 1970. On October 7, 1971, the foundation stone was laid by President V. V. Giri at the New Delhi site, initially called Railway Transport Museum (R.T.M). The museum took around six years to complete and was officially opened on February 1, 1977, by Minister of Railways Kamlapati Tripathi. Although it was initially meant to cover the histories of roadways, airways, and waterways in addition to railways, this didn’t materialize, and as a result, the museum was later renamed National Rail Museum in 1995. Indian Railway Network Today- Every day, approximately 23 million individuals rely on Indian Railways, which also happens to be the 8th largest employer globally with over 1 million employees. With over 123,500km of track and 7,349 stations throughout India, Indian Railways is very much deserving of its own museum, it is evident that Indian Railways is deserving of its own dedicated museum. Major Attractions of the Rail Museum Indoor Collection at the Rail Museum The museum comprises six galleries, with each gallery displaying unique exhibits. Gallery 1- provides insight into the early days of Indian railways. Gallery 2- showcases passenger and freight cars, as well as the crockery and utensils used during that time. Gallery 3- features the Nilgris Mountain railway, and includes a magnificent working model crafted from teak wood. Gallery 4- highlights technological advancements that have been incorporated into the railway industry, such as signaling and telephonic devices. Gallery 5- visitors can admire the architectural marvels of the railways, including the Pamban Rail Bridge in Tamilnadu that connects Rameshwaram to the mainland. Gallery 6- This is dedicated to modern trains, and showcases models of advanced trains such as the Kolkata metro train and electric train, among others. Outdoor Collection at the Rail Museum The toy train at the museum is a delightful experience that captivates visitors of all ages. Taking a ride on the train allows you to explore the entire outdoor area of the museum, providing an enjoyable and memorable adventure that should not be overlooked during your museum visit. For visually challenged individuals, the museum offers the ‘Akansha’ section, which provides the complete history of Indian Railways in the Braille system. Similarly, the ‘Gyandeep’ section caters to the needs of physically challenged visitors and also includes wheelchairs for assistance. These sections ensure that everyone can access and appreciate the rich history of Indian Railways. Among the museum’s most prominent attractions is ‘The Fairy Queen,’ the oldest locomotive in the world, which was constructed in 1855. This historical locomotive serves as a major draw for visitors and offers a glimpse into the remarkable heritage of railways. Another highlight of the museum is the Patiala State Monorail Railways, an important feature that was built in 1907 and designed with the Egwig system. This exhibit showcases the intriguing history of monorail railways in India and adds to the museum’s appeal. The Egwig system is a method used to balance the monorails. Even though it was no longer operational after 1927, an engine from the train was found and restored by Northern Railways. It is now showcased in the museum as a significant artifact. The Souvenir counter at the museum provides various items such as books, audio CDs, and visual CDs that focus on locomotives in the country. These souvenirs offer a chance to delve deeper into the