Rail Museum – Howrah
The Saga
Rail Museum of Howrah became open to the public in the year 2006, under the category Specialized Railways and is currently under the Indian Railways. It is currently under the charge of Mr. Debasis Ghoshal the Heritage Inspector. Moreover, at the Rail Museum of Howrah, you get a chance to witness the evolution of the Railways with the change of time. It even offers the rich history of the Indian Railways, but a bit more of emphasis is led on the history and evolution of Eastern Railways.
Attention Drawing Elements
The entrance starts with different rail tracks with an array of varying vintage locomotives. Besides, the locomotives here are in interesting combinations – from narrow gauge steam engines to electric and diesel engines. It also contains an engine that belongs to East Pakistan which crossed the international boundaries and entered the Indian territory during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Hence the Indian Army occupied it.
The Wonderful Depictions
Furthermore, the Museum displays pictorial elaboration on the history of the Eastern Railway Central Zone (ECR), South Eastern Railway Zone (SER) and North East Railway Frontier Zone (NFR) and not leaving behind the metro rail network of Kolkata. Besides, there are several other trains display also like the giant locomotive that interrupted the Heritage Train between Howrah and Bandel on the 9th of September in the year 1999. Then there are also trains celebrating the birth anniversaries of great humans like the train celebrating the 150th birthday of Rabindranath Tagore and another train commemorative of 100th anniversary of Sri Aurobindo’s arrival in Pondicherry.
The Main Attractions
The place also has a collection of age-old photographs, drawings firm’s and document which provide us with fascinating information of about 150-year-old locomotives, carriages, trains and salon cars. Besides this, the Museum also has a toy train that takes on a tour around the whole Museum showcasing all the attractions. There is also a miniature depiction of the Himalayan Railways of Darjeeling and a giant meter gauge belonging to Badrpur, and each locomotive is given company by luxurious saloons which remain closed. However, a third saloon is present, which is always open for display.
Lush Greenery around
Furthermore, the garden of the Museum is clean and maintained. Besides, at the center of the garden, there is a circular mound on which stands an octagonal tower. On the eight walls of that tower are present the engravings of the details about the different railway zones of India. Also, the path of the mound leads to the Hall of Fame. Moreover, the garden is full of art made out of railway junk, which adds to its beauty like the wheels of the trains, signals, signal levers etc.
The Hall of Heritage
Furthermore, there is a Hall of Heritage which is a two-storied building which resembles the Howrah Station, and the building contains an elaborate description of various railway tracks, routes, stations, signals and bridges. Inside it, there are two huts which provide us with a detailed description of the Howrah Station and the Eastern Railways. Besides, various pictures and maps showcasing different memorable occasions of the Eastern Railways enrich the walls of the Hall of Heritage. Also, on display are railway crests which signify pride and motto of the Eastern Railways and are of immense heritage value.
Necessities
A few old coaches of the trains have been turned into refreshment centers of small restaurants where you get super delicious food to satiate your hunger. Besides, the Museum remains open an all days except Thursday from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm and on an average person can easily spend 1-2 hours there. Besides, there is an entry fee of just Rs 10.
Trivia
• Established in the year 2006 and the Indian Railways maintains it.
• Also, parking is available at a distance of 100 meters from the Museum.
• Besides, the Museum provides with a splendid view of the world-famous Howrah Bridge.
• Furthermore, the Museum stays open on all days except Thursday.
• Visiting Hours – between 10.30 am and 5.30 pm.