RAIL MUSEUM IN CHENNAI
Rail travel always thrills all age group. And taking a peep at some of the Heritage train compartments like, Deccan Odyssey, Palace on wheels, etc. it reminds one the rooms in the 5 star hotels. These coaches are made in Chennai.
This Rail Museum is one of its kinds. Located at the Furnishing Division campus of the ICF amid the colourful scenic beauty, it houses many delightful things. There are two indoor galleries and a vast open area, too. In the former, one can see small things on display, like charts, photos and replica of the train compartments and the old powerful steam locos.
Photo Gallery: It takes one down memory lane and highlights the various hurdles that the ICF had jumped and emerged successful. Posters to this effect are aplenty.
NMR: Another attraction is the Nilgiri Mountain Railways plying between Mettupalayam and Coimbatore. This train still hauled by the steam locomotive. It has figured in the UNESCO as a world tourist spot.
Kolkata Metro: Better known as Tube Train and indigenously designed and manufactured, it serves the swelling population of the state.
Diesel Electric Car: Built by ICF, it enables the administration for OHE construction and maintenance work with a swiveling platform. Like wise, there are many things on display. To cap it all, the replica of the yesteryear rather prestigious WP class steam locomotive with a bullet nose, also called as, “Steel Horse” in railway jargon, is worth seeing by the youngsters as they had missed its majestic sight. These WP class locomotives had its own name and fame, having hauled many prestigious trains, including President’s Special trains!
ICF started commissioning in 1955. Dedicated it to the public by the former PM Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, it had only four small sheds. “These are the temples of India,” quoted Nehru at that time. In 2005, it had celebrated its Golden Jubilee function, with Laloo Prasad, the then Union railway minister, presiding over the function.
How to get there? Located at New Avadi road, it is accessible by road.