Worlds oldest steam loco Fairy Queen set to chug again

Jaipur, Aug 17(UNI) The Indian Railways has decided to run the world's oldest steam loco 'Fairy Queen' for the upcoming tourist season in October between Delhi and the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan's Alwar district.

According to Railways, the famous steam locomotive, which completed 150 years in 2005, would carry tourists from Delhi to Alwar and back, reliving the experience of a bygone era. The coaches have specially been done up and the services included onboard catering, guide, piped music, entertainment and other amenities for holidaymakers.

Finding its pride of place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest working steam engine, it is also a National Tourism Award winner. The majestic train rolled out for the erstwhile East Indian Railways in 1885. It was also used to haul troop trains to Raniganj during the 1857 first war of Independence.

Fairy Queen retired from the service in 1908 and was the first to be conserved in the Delhi National Rail Museum in 1971. In order to maintain the service quality for the travellers, National Rail Museum has also obtained ISO 9001-2000 certification for operation and maintenance of the train.

According to the Railways, the train would depart from Delhi Cantt at 0900 hrs arriving at Alwar at 1600 hrs and return the next day from Alwar at 1300 hrs reaching the capital at 1845 hrs.

UNI