Take a Day Trip from Delhi on this Historic Steam Train

Love trains? You won’t want to miss riding aboard India’s special Steam Express. This historic tourist train features the oldest steam locomotive in regular operation worldwide. The train takes passengers on memorable day trips from Delhi to the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum in Haryana. Here’s what you should know about this unique travel experience.

Steam Locomotives in India

Steam locomotives were introduced in India by the British and began to phase out around the early 1990s. However, Indian Railways still maintains over 250 steam locomotives, many of which are over a century old. A few steam engines pull toy trains on India’s mountain railways and other heritage trains like the Steam Express. Most of these locomotives are displayed at rail museums throughout the country.

Recently, the Indian government has focused on revitalizing its steam locomotive fleet, returning these magnificent machines to the tracks for joyrides.

History of the Steam Express and its Engines

The Fairy Queen locomotive, utilized by the Steam Express, dates back to 1854, commissioned by the East Indian Railway Company and identified as EIR-22. Originally deployed on light mail trains between Howrah and Raniganj in West Bengal, this engine ferried troops during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. After years of service, it was retired in 1909, and later displayed at Howrah Railway Station in Kolkata until 1943.

In 1972, the Indian government officially recognized the locomotive’s heritage status. In 1977, it became a prominent exhibit at the National Rail Museum in Delhi. Inspired by the success of the Palace on Wheels luxury heritage train, the government decided to restore the Fairy Queen to operational status, launching it as the Fairy Queen train in 1997.

Notably, in 1998, the Fairy Queen was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest steam locomotive in regular operation, later winning a National Tourism Award in 1999 for its innovative tourism project. Unfortunately, in 2011, it suffered extensive vandalism, forcing the government to replace it with a more recent WP 7161 steam engine known as Akbar, built in 1965, and rebranding it as the Steam Express.

After six years, the Fairy Queen was restored and is now housed at the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum, operating for special day trips.

Some fascinating facts about the Fairy Queen include its weight of 26 tonnes, a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour), and its ability to carry 3,000 liters of water in its tank.

The WP 7161 Akbar steam locomotive occasionally hauls the Steam Express, alongside a WP 7200 class locomotive known as Azad, which was imported from America and designed to Indian Railways’ specifications.

Recognizable from its appearances in numerous Indian films, including Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Sultan, Akbar holds a significant position in Indian cinema.

Features of the Steam Express Train

The Steam Express consists of a single air-conditioned carriage that seats up to 60 passengers. Each seat, upholstered with cloth, is arranged in pairs along a spacious aisle. Moreover, the train offers a scenic observation lounge with large windows, allowing for incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Onboard catering is available thanks to a pantry car.

Passengers enjoy a few hours at the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum before embarking on the return journey to Delhi.

Overview of the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum

The Rewari Railway Heritage Museum, originally a steam locomotive shed established in 1893, is the only functioning facility of its kind in India. Converted into a heritage museum in 2002, after significant neglect, it expanded in 2010 to house ten of the world’s oldest restored steam locomotives, vintage railway equipment, and various railway memorabilia.

Other attractions include a documentary showcasing the history of Indian railways, a 3-D steam loco simulator, educational yard model train systems, and a souvenir shop. Admission is free, and the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Departures and Itinerary

Operating from October to April each year, the Steam Express usually departs twice monthly, on the second and fourth Saturdays. Departing from Delhi Cantonment railway station at 10:30 a.m., the train arrives in Rewari by 1 p.m. Passengers should arrive by 9:30 a.m. to witness the locomotive being fired up and take memorable photographs.

On the return trip, the train leaves Rewari at 4:15 p.m. and gets back to Delhi at 6:15 p.m. Please note that sometimes a diesel locomotive might be used for the return journey.

Cost

The round trip cost from Delhi is 6,804 rupees per adult and 3,402 rupees per child under 12. A one-way journey costs 3,402 rupees per adult and 1,701 rupees per child under 12, while children under 5 years of age travel free. This price includes taxes, the train trip, and a visit to the Heritage Steam Shed at Rewari.

Other Historic Steam Train Joyrides in India

Indian Railways introduced a new weekly steam train service in September 2018, running between Farukh Nagar (near Gurgaon) and Garhi Harsaru in Haryana. This particular route is being developed as a heritage destination, featuring an ancient 18th-century fort.

The service, known as the 04445 Garhi Harsaru-Farukh Nagar Steam Special, operates on Sundays, departing Garhi Harsaru at 9:30 a.m. and reaching Farukh Nagar at 10:15 a.m. Conversely, the 04446 Farukh Nagar-Garhi Harsaru Steam Special sets off from Farukh Nagar at 11:15 a.m., arriving at Garhi Harsaru by noon. Ticket prices are exceptionally affordable at 10 rupees per person, and reservations are not required. The WP 7200 Azad steam locomotive is responsible for hauling this train.