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Fairy-Queen(1855),
a treasure at the National Rail Museum from the
beginning i.e. 1971, was brought back to life thus
making it a living legend and the oldest locomotive
in the World working on the Main Line. This was
an innovative & unique initiative of the National
Rail Museum. Also, it was a challenge to the Mechanical
department of Indian Railways to return to life
a locomotive that was not used since 1909.
The overhaul at Perambur workshops of the Southern Railway
and maintenance by Northern Railway was done with a great
degree of initiative & enthusiasm. This has recieved
appreciation both in India & abroad. The Guiness book
of World Records has certified this as the oldest working
locomotive anywhere in the world.
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Thus, an innovative step in heritage has been
successful and opened possibilities for many more heritage tourist
ventures utilizing the vast Railway heritage.The new thinking,
the world over, is that the industrial revolution & Railways
in the last 200 years has seen developments that are of lasting
significance to mankind and should be considered World Heritage.
For around 150 years, the Indian Railways have been the blood
stream of the country in its economic, technological, industrial
and social growth. Fairy-Queen apart other priceless treasures
of the Indian Railways open new avenues for Heritage tourism,
maybe more than all other forms of tourism.
A formal launch was held in the National Rail Museum in August, attended
by Travel Industry, Press, Ambassadors/High Commissioners and top
officials. National Television carried it in the evening National
News. Commemorative trip in October with travel Industry & Press
again generated enthusiasm. The publicity in print & electronic
media was unprecedented.
Only 5 trips ran last year with enthusiasm all around. Based on the
success, 9 trips are being run in the current season. From the first
trip on 31/10/98, the trips have been getting a positive response.
The feed back from the passengers is most encouraging.
This venture has also brought into focus existing and new
possibilities for tourism as follows:-
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1. |
Steam train to Agra |
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2. |
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway |
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3. |
Nilgiri Mountain Railway |
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4. |
Simla Shivalik Palace train |
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5. |
Kangra Valley train |
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6. |
Matheran Light Railway |
The Fairy-Queen is a forerunner to many heritage tourism possibilities
focussed through the National Rail Museum. |
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