'Fairy Queen' set to ferry tourists

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) During the 1857 War of Independence, the British rulers had used it to haul troops to crush the revolt of patriotic Indians.

In its latest avatar, 'Fairy Queen' -- world's oldest working steam engine -- pulls a famous tourist train, taking passengers from Delhi to Alwar (Sariska Tiger Reserve) in Rajasthan.

The train is scheduled to commence its run for the tourist season 2007-08, with the Railway Ministry issuing instructions for making necessary arrangements for its operation, a ministry official said today.

The train is to operate on October 27, November 10 and 24, December 8 and 22 this year and January 12 and 26, February 9 and 23 and March 8 next year.

The itinerary of the train with revised timing is: Delhi Cantt departure at 0900 hrs and arrival at Alwar 1600 hrs. In return direction on the next day, the train will leave Alwar at 1300 hrs and arrive at Delhi Cantt. at 1845 hrs.

The Fairy Queen, the famous steam locomotive of Indian Railways which completed its 150 years in 2005, will take the tourists from Delhi to Alwar and back to Delhi, giving them the sound, smell and experience of the bygone era.

The official said the coaches have been specially designed for comfort of the tourists and the services include on-board catering, guide, piped music and magazines.

Finding its pride of place in the Guinness Book of World Records and also capturing the National Tourism Award, this Fairy Queen steam engine is the oldest working steam engine in the world.

It was in 1855 when the majestic locomotive rolled out for the erstwhile East Indian Railway. This locomotive also hauled troops to Raniganj during the famous 1857 War of Independence.

The locomotive, which retired from services in 1908, was the first to be brought and conserved in National Rail Museum in 1971.

To improve the quality of services to the tourists, the museum has obtained ISO 9001-2000 certification for operation and maintenance of the Fairy Queen locomotive and coaches.

UNI

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