The Regional Rail Museums of India hold the same importance as the National Rail Museum, with the fascinating history of Indian Railways on display. Here, we take a tour of the Chennai Rail Museum.
Indian Railways already has a National Rail Museum, at Delhi, which serves the purpose well. However, Regional Rail Museums are essentially required due to space constraints at National Rail Museum. Proposals were made for setting up of Regional Rail Museum in Chennai as early as 1993 - 94. It was finally inaugurated on 31st March, 2002 and was open for public from 16th April, 2002. It adjoins the Furnishing Division of the Integral Coach Factory, which is the oldest and leading rail coach manufacturer in India. The museum has many visitors, especially students and locals.
Chennai Rail Museum's Art Gallery by JL SinghRail Enthusiasts' Society
The Chennai Rail Museum has five indoor galleries and a large outdoor exhibits park. Recent activities were the creation of an ‘Art Gallery’ and renovation of the ‘Diamond Jubilee Gallery’.
Art Gallery by the Chennai Rail Museum by JL SinghRail Enthusiasts' Society
An Art Gallery was created at the Chennai Rail Museum to to initiate young minds into ‘Railway Art’. It comprises 14 canvases, painted by eminent artists.
The Diamond Jubilee gallery at Chennai Rail Museum by JL SinghRail Enthusiasts' Society
The Diamond Jubilee gallery was initially dedicated to the “Journey of Ice - 60 Years” (1955-2015) on 1st October, 2015. It was recently renovated into a modern gallery, by replacing its mosaic floor with PVC floor, wall plastering, concealed wirings etc. for a more of an aesthetic look.
The additions to this gallery include ‘heritage furniture’, a cut out model of Kolkata metro motor coach, and vintage black and white pictures of the 1960s on the theme of ‘Steam and Indian Railways’.
Heritage furniture at Chennai Museum's Art Gallery by JL SinghRail Enthusiasts' Society
Sofas made of heavy cast iron base frame, a wooden frame, with cushion on the seat and back rest were provided in the first class portion of yesteryears.
The station benches were made out of cast iron base with teak wood seat and backrest, which gave a classy and a vintage appeal.
Tap to explore
Chennai Rail Museum showcases India's rich rail heritage by Arun DevrajHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
A Fowler Ploughing Engine, built in 1895, is displayed at the entrance of the museum.
Chennai Rail Museum showcases India's rich rail heritage by Arun DevrajHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
There are a host of outdoor heritage exhibits, dating from the 1800s. There is also a toy train that takes visitors around the premises, and a playground for the kids.
Chennai Rail Museum showcases India's rich rail heritage by Arun DevrajHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
There are more than 40 different models of trains in the museum's outdoor spaces.
Chennai Rail Museum showcases India's rich rail heritage by Arun DevrajHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
A load carrier of the Indian Railways.
Chennai Rail Museum showcases India's rich rail heritage by Arun DevrajHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
A meter gauge steam engine is stationed outside the museum.
Chennai Rail Museum showcases India's rich rail heritage by Arun DevrajHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
A narrow gauge steam locomotive from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway line.
Chennai Rail Museum showcases India's rich rail heritage by Arun DevrajHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
A 'Tanzania' coach is posted outside as an exhibit at the Chennai Rail Museum. A heritage push trolley is displayed in the foreground.
Chennai Rail Museum showcases India's rich rail heritage by Arun DevrajHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
The museum is administered, managed and maintained by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.
Special thanks to Mr. Arun Devraj, Curator, at Chennai Rail Museum.
