National Rail Museum

The National Gallery of Modern Art celebrates the art-culture of India. India has a rich legacy of paintings and the National Gallery of Modern Art portrays the many facets of Indian painting. Almost a tribute to art in the nation the National Gallery of Modern Art exhibits the transition taken place in the field of art over a period of 150 years.

A one of a kind museum in India the National Rail Museum Delhi focuses on the rail heritage of the country. Inaugurated on 1 February 1977 in Delhi the National Rail Museum is spread over 10 acres of land with both indoor and outdoor exhibition space. This museum is home to numerous models of Railway coaches, engines and other rail related equipments. The best thing however about this museum is that you get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the rail related products that go back to the period of the origin of the railway department in the country.

Located at Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi the National Rail Museum

enjoys cream location in the capital. The museum remains open from 9.30 am in the morning till 5.30 pm in the evening, and witnesses a wide range of visitors ranging from children to the elderly and the wise.

The Fairy Queen of the National Rail Museum (built in 1855) forms the center of attraction for the museum, as it allows the travelers to take a ride on it. Apart from this the museum also maintains a collection of 26 vintage locomotives, 17 carriage and saloons, that were found in the 19th century. A glimpse at these will help us get the flavor of Indian royalty, as well as the aristocracy of the Victorian era!

The display at the National Rail Museum happens to be among the oldest locomotives in the world that are still working. Among these are:

• Patiala State Monorail (1907)
• Fire Engine (1914)
• Fireless Steam Locomotuve
• Maharajah of Baroda's Saloon (1886)
• Viceregal Dining Car (1889)
• Maharajah of Mysore's Saloon (1899)

To pay a visit to these Saloons one has to pay a rent to the government of India in the form of tickets. The National Rail Museum remains closed only on Mondays. In order to reach National Rail Museum, one can take an auto or a cab; the easiest possible way would be getting down at Indraprastha Metro station, which is at proximity to the site.

Last Updated on 04 July 2011