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March, 2005
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Railways introduces Gwalior heritage train

The heritage train introduced by Central Railways to commemorate hundred years of Gwalior Light Railways. The train is very small with only three coaches. It is slated to run between Gwalior and Ambikeshwar.

     Gwalior: Forget the luxury of Palace on the Wheels, the Fairy Queen and Deccan Odyssey, the Indian Railways has a new offering for old days lovers - a heritage train, which was used by the Maharaja of Gwalior for hunting in 1930s. The Northern-Central zone of Indian Railways has introduced the train to commemorate hundred years of the Gwalior Light Railways. The train would cover a stretch of 35 km between Gwalior and Ambikeshwar within a span of one hour forty minutes. The train has only three coaches - a 'Heritage Car', built in 1931, a 'Dinning Coach', built in 1925-30 and one oach built in 1924. The diesel engine is designed to give the illusion of a steam engine. The heritage train is fitted with all the comforts and has a capacity for 50 people. The 'heritage car' can accommodate eight people, and sixteen people can enjoy the luxury of the 'dining coach', while twenty-four people can feel comfortable in the general coach.

     The train has been gifted to the Railways by its owner - the Scindias who ruled the entire Gwalior region during British India. "This train is from the time of Scindia Estate. They used it for hunting purposes. It is very delightful that they have given this heritage to the general public now. It is a small compact train and it feels as though it is a personal train. I am delighted to travel in it," Vimlesh Goyal,a passenger said. The heritage train of Gwalior is a complete bundle of sheer delight - a journey of fun that unfolds the complete picture of the exotic Gwalior. It stands tall in the list of other heritage trains by the Indian Railways.

      Indian Railways has some great luxurious and heritage trains in the world. The 'Palace on Wheels' explores the incredible land of India the royal way. This train has been rated amongst the top ten luxury trains of the world. Amongst the noteworthy travellers of the proud Palace on Wheels, which is popularly called train of the Maharajas, are the Nizam of Hyderabad, the rulers of the princely state of Rajputana, the Viceroy of British India. The 'Royal Orient' ensures a punctual journey with the unforgettable experience of the magnificence of a Maharaja. Its thirteen indescribable wondrous and gold embossed saloon cars give the feel of the lives of the Rajput Princes.

      The 'Fairy Queen', which finds mention in the "Guinness Book of World Records" is the oldest running steam locomotive in the world. It takes the traveller through the picturesque town of Alwar in Rajasthan and allows an overnight stay in Sariska Tiger Reserve also. The history of the Fairy Queen dates back to 1855 when the majestic train rolled out for the East Indian railway. The engine of this train is probably the oldest working engine in the world. After an interval of 142 years, the Fairy Queen rolled again on 1 February, 1997 from New Delhi.

     The 'Deccan Odyssey' takes the traveller through the mesmerizing beauty of Maharashtra, Goa and Ajanta & Ellora.

     The 'Kalka-Shimla toy train' is the pride of Indian Railways. It runs on the hilly track which passes over 864 bridges, under 102 tunnels and round 900 sharp curves. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations along the way - Dharmpore,Taksal, Gamma and Solan, all add up to an exhilarating experience. This track still has all the grace and memories of an age when people traveled in leisure and endured every moment of it. The track rises from Kalka at 640 meters to the cool climes of Shimla at 2,060 meters. A journey from Kalka to Shimla is simply out of this world. The toy train winds its way slowly through the hills up to the alpine reaches of the lower Himalayas. At the foothills one gets a breathtaking view of the Kushalya River, Koti, Barog, Kanoh, Jabli which are 1,240 meters above sea level.
-Mar 15, 2005

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