Steam Heritage Run: bullet-nosed black beauty enthralls kids

New Delhi, Jan 6 (UNI) A Steam Heritage Run was organised today as part of various activities lined up for the 'Rail Heritage Month' to sensitize the public particularly children towards railway's heritage.

Organised by Northern Railway, the Steam Heritage Train started from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station and passed by Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar, Delhi Shahadra, Delhi Junction station, New Delhi Station, before returning back to Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station after completing the two-hour circuit, a statement said.

The train was drawn by WP 7200 engine, which was one of the 16 prototypes received from the US before their regular production began at Chittranjan Locomotive Works in West Bengal. The engine was manufactured at Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia in 1947 and weighed about 102.4 tonnes. It was retired from service in 1987.

Four coaches attached to the train were all heritage coaches, of which two were from the railway owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Several passengers including children, travelled on the train. They used this opportunity to examine not only the steam engine from close quarters but also got a chance to see the various heritage sites of Delhi -- Purana Qila, Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb -- along the way.

WP steam engines were the main stay of broad gauge passenger trains operations for the Indian Railways until 1995 when they were finally phased out. The steam engines were not only important historically for the railways as a part of their technological development but also significant as catalysts of the industrial revolution around the world.

Similar steam train runs would also take place on January 13, 20 and 27.

UNI