Rail Museum, Delhi

Weather :

Label : Great For Family Outing

Tags : Museum

Timings : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Entry closes after 4:30 PM)
Closed on Mondays

Time Required : 2 - 3 hrs

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Rail Museum, Delhi Overview

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.

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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.

Main Exhibits at Rail Museum

Among the umpteen life-size exhibits of rails and engines, here’s listing some popular ones displayed at the Rail Museum-
1. Fairy Queen- The oldest working steam locomotive.
2. Patiala State Monorail- Originally built in 1907, the train consists of a track of single rail. Renovated and restored in 1927, it is not in running condition.
3. Fire Engine- Built by John Morris and Sons Ltd., there are just two Morris-Belsize engines known to exist till date, one of which is showcased here. The other one is preserved at Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, Clay Hill, London.
4. Saloon of Prince of Wales- Built in the honour of Prince Wales’ visit to India.
5. Saloon of Maharaja of Holkar- Built in the honour of the Maharaja of Indore.
6. Saloon of Maharaja of Mysore- Built in the honour of the Maharaja of Mysore.
7. Electric Locomotive 4502- India’s first generation 1500V DC locomotive engine. It was locally known as ‘khekdas’ (crabs) owing to the similarities in their sounds while at rest and in motion.

The Rails at Rail Museum

The Rails is the new innovative restaurant is located inside the premises of the Rail Museum, where you can have a fancy dinner in a pretentious rail carriage. Inspired by the designs of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the restaurant has a similar dome. The food is brought in steam engines and served to the guests occupying different tables named after different railway stations in India. We recommend you to not miss this once in a lifetime experience.

Tickets and Surcharges at Rail Museum

Entry Tickets-
Weekdays Entry Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 50
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 10

Weekend & Govt Holiday Entry Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 100
Kids (3-12 years)- INR 20

Bheem Diesel Stimulator
Weekdays Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 150/-
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 150

Weekend & Govt Holiday Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 300
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 300

Steam Loco Simulator
Weekdays Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 150
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 150

Weekend & Govt Holiday Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 300
Kids (3-12 Year)- INR 300

3D Virtual Coach Ride
Weekdays Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 100
Kids (3-12 years)- INR 100

Weekend & Govt Holiday Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 200
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 200

Toy Train 1:8
Weekdays Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 100
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 100

Weekend & Govt Holiday Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 200
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 200

Joy Train
Weekdays Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 20
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 10

Weekend & Govt Holiday Ticket Charges
Adults- INR 50
Kids (3 - 12 years)- INR 20

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.

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