On the Tracks of National Rail Museum
The museum in ‘Ki and Ka’:
With the recently released Ki and Ka, the National Rail Museum of Delhi has become the sought-after picnic spot for most families and history enthusiasts. As it was a weekend and we didn’t have any travel plans, we decided to utilize it by visiting National Rail Museum in Chanakyapuri and experience the history of Indian Railways in the purest form.
The entrance to the National Rail Museum
The rail museum is surrounded by lush green trees both in and around it and provides relief from the scorching Delhi heat to the visitors in summers. The entry tickets are reasonably priced at Rs. 20 per person. Good effort by the government to promote history.
The lush green pathway to the museum!
The Museum is a house of real life size exhibits and other rail components in the country. It has locomotives and coaches from the princely states across the Indian Subcontinent.
Steam locomotive F1-734
The Patiala State Mono Rail is the rarest operational exhibits of its kind in the world.
Patiala State Mono Rail
It was magnificent to see all kinds of railway engines, right from steam to diesel to the latest electrical engines, displayed as life-size exhibits for us to know more about the evolution of Indian Railways from the golden era to the present modern days.
A diesel locomotive SR-2013
This monochrome of the steam engine takes us back to the era when railways was the best mode of transport for the entire nation. This also reminds us of the trains shown in many of Bollywood blockbusters like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Gadar which talks about partition.
The ‘prominent whistle’ machine!
The Bikaner Station in the museum is the starting point for the toy-train which offers a joy ride to the visitors, especially children. Although priced a bit high, 100 bucks per ride, this can be a good fun time for kids visiting this place.
Toy Train!
A fleet of Engines!
Decauville was a narrow-gauge loco used mostly in yards, mines and tunnel works. The beauty of this engine was that it could be disassembled and transported easily just like a model train.
The Decauville!
Gaekwar Baroda Saloon (256) was a broad-gauge rail used by the Gaekwar of Baroda. The saloon was ornamented with gold enamel on the ceiling and a small portion of it can be seen through the glass pane.
Gaekwar Baroda Saloon!
If you do not have plans for the weekend ahead, this museum is one of it’s kind and deserves a visit . It will be a peaceful retreat from the hustle of the malls and also a refreshing trip for the kids.
How to reach:
Nearest Metro Station: Race Course (Yellow Line)
Entry Fee: Rs. 20/person, Train Ride: Rs. 20/person
Timings:
9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Closed : Monday
For detailed information on the National Rail Museum please visit website here.
Have you been to the National Rail Museum? Do share your experiences with us!
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6 comments
Wow !! I didn’t knew that this place was in Delhi .. After Ki and Ka , I came to know that this is in Delhi.. Thank you roadtotaste for such amazing and informative post.. This post truly reveals the history of Indian railways which many of us don’t know..
Loved the photographs !!!
Thank you Asmita for liking our post. You must plan a visit to this place once you are here. 🙂
Loved d pics and amazingly described.. Kudos to roadtotaste…keeping on posting dese kind of informative posts which will help a novice person to explore the beautiful places like dis and enjoy it…
Thank you Vinayak and we are glad you liked it. Stay tuned to roadtotaste.com for more updates!
Looks like an interesting museum!! This post made me want to visit it! I’m going there someday soon for sure 😀
Indeed it’s an interesting place Sakina. Do share your experience with us from your visit. 🙂