National Rail Museum Delhi Located in the vicinity of Chanakyapuri, the Rail Museum aims to preserve the 163 years old railway heritage of India. Popularly known as the National Railway Museum, the museum is spread over 10 acres of land and houses some fantabulous railway memorabilia. Established on 1st of February, 1977, the Rail Museum possesses an exciting collection of around 100 real size exhibits of Indian railways both working and static, antiques, furniture and the like. A few dummy specimen also offer rides to both adults and kids. Other than the vast outdoor which houses the very famous ‘Fairy Queen’- the oldest working steam locomotive, now the museum has also facilitated 3D virtual train ride, steam loco stimulator and an indoor gallery.
Spread amidst lush green gardens in the poised locality; the museum boasts of the rich ancient heritage of Indian railways. The informative tablet right adjacent to the exhibits makes the visit all the more worthwhile. Adjacent to the museum is the building which flaunts some beautiful photographs of the golden yesteryears in the history of rails. Sitting adjoining are some miniature models; all of which are prohibited from being photographed. It also has an auditorium with a seating capacity of 200 people, where occasional workshops are organized and documentaries are screened. In addition, the museum also has an in-house souvenir shop to buy little souvenirs on your way back.
History of Rail Museum
The history of Rail Museum dates back to 1962 when it was just a passing idea. However, the idea took shape in 1970 under the advice of the rail enthusiast Michael Graham. The then President of India, Shri V. V. Giri laid the foundation stone of the building in Chanakyapuri which was called Railway Transport Museum ( R. T. M.) and it was intended to cover histories of roadways, airways, waterways in addition to railways. In 1977, it was inaugurated by the then railway Minister- Kamlapati Tripathi. However, by 1995, it was established as a full-fledged railway museum and was called National Railway Museum.
Inside the Rail Museum
The Indian Railway’s heritage: When you walk into the National Rail Museum, do keep yourself prepared for a unique encounter with history. Some of the rarest exhibits showcasing the legacy of British and Indian royals can be seen inside the museum.
The National Rail Museum takes you to a journey of 160 years in the past, where you get to see everything from a 1:8 scale train, coach simulator, diesel simulator, steam simulator, different types of signaling instruments, Indian railway uniforms, telecommunications systems used in Indian Railway, antique railway furniture, and even builder plates for the companies engaged in the construction of locomotives.
A lot of railway exhibits and infrastructure are displayed to give a true picture of Indian Railways have evolved during the years gone by. One can also find railways artifacts and train models, both in static and working conditions in the indoor sections of the state-of-the-art National Rail Museum.
The outdoor gallery: As much engaging is the indoor section of the National Rail Museum, so is the outdoor section as well. The outdoor section of the museum depicts the setting of a railway yard. It houses a variety of engines and coaches including electric, diesel and steam locomotives.
This section also showcases a wonderful collection of wagons, armoured trains, carriages, and rail cars. And no, they are not models. There are some original lifesize exhibits, that have been maintained for the visitors to see for ages.
Besides, some models of trains are also seen passing through India’s varied terrain in the outdoor section of the National Rail Museum. One can find some of the rarest exhibits like the Fairy Queen, which is the oldest working steam locomotive in the world. The Patiala State Monorail is also seen in the yard, which is one of the few working monorails of the world. The Morris Fire Engine, placed close to the entrance is not to be missed as it is one of its kind running on rubber tyres.
Royal Collection: National Rail Museum gives a fair sense of the royal lifestyles lived by the then Kings and Queens. The vintage locomotives and coaches that are on display include the Prince of Wales Saloon, the Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon, and the Maharaja of Baroda’s Saloon.
Do not miss peeping inside the wagons to get the real glimpse of the elegant royal interiors and the imperial trains of the old times. One can also see the original coaches of Palace On Wheels displayed at the National Rail Museum.
Photo opportunities: Getting clicked at the National Rail Museum is an opportunity worth it. Do not miss posing against some of the most exotic and vintage coaches and locomotives. Besides, you can also get a personalised copy of museum’s NRM Times, with your photo printed on the front page.
Experience the rides and 3D simulators: Miss the toy train that you used to ride in your childhood? Well, National Rail Museum is all set to rekindle your childhood by offering you a joy ride on the Toy Train.
There’s a Toy Train ride in the outdoor gallery of the National Rail Museum that you must enjoy. Besides you can take a ride on the Patiala State Monorail on Sundays. A virtual 3D coach ride is also offered in the indoor section of the National Rail Museum, letting you experience different types of locomotives and coaches.
The Rail Restaurant: Your experience of the National Rail Museum is incomplete if you don’t visit the rail restaurant. Inspired by the model train of the Maharaja of Gwalior’s banquet table, there’s a moving train around the restaurant serving you variety of food. Remember something similar being shown in the Bollywood film Ki and Ka?
Souvenirs: The National Railway Museum is not just about creating memories but also cherishing them for a lifetime. Do ensure that you buy a souvenir from the museum like a train model, postcards, posters, apparels, books and much more.
Miniature India: This is one of the important things you get to see at the National Rail Museum. On the first floor of the museum is Miniature India. It is not Indian Map that you could have guessed.
It is a model that shows a lot of important things in India, like Wankhede stadium, Metro, Indian railway network, the dams and the bridges, the Indian road network including the highways. This model gives a broad sense of how India has developed as a country.
How To Reach Rail Museum, Delhi
Delhi is a state well connected through metro and state-run buses. The nearest metro station to Rail Museum is Jor Bagh Metro, situated on the yellow line. The museum is just about 2 kms from the metro; you can either hire a local or a battery run rickshaw. You can also book a taxi cab for a more comfortable journey. Alternatively, you can travel in one of the buses which will be relatively economical.
