How about a ride in a heritage train run by a steam locomotive during the Commonwealth Games?
Railways are planning to run a steam engine, manufactured in 1947, between Delhi and Rewari in Haryana during the Games beginning October 3.
“We are developing the steam loco shed at Rewari as a tourist spot and it will be ready before the Games. As per the plan we are exploring the possibilities of running a steam loco with four heritage coaches between Delhi and Rewari,” a senior Railway Ministry official said.
It will take about two hours to cover the 80 km distance between Delhi and Rewari in the steam loco train with one or two operational stoppages.
There are about 10 heritage steam locomotives, including one manufactured in 1893, stationed at Rewari loco shed.
“We want to showcase these “old beauties” during the Games. The timings, tickets and other related matters are to be finalised,” said the official.
A large number of visitors including foreigners are expected to come here during the Games. As per the plan, Railways will run the train during weekends.
“After reaching Rewari, the visitors will also have the opportunity to have small rides in these “old beauties” at the loco shed and we are trying to revive all these steam locos at the shed,” he said.
Currently the loco shed is lying in a dilapidated state with not much activity.
Earlier, there was a proposal to run steam loco service in the capital’s ring rail route during the Games. However, the official said, the idea is not feasible due to operational problems.
“We will definitely make the Rewari loco shed ready before the Games for visitors. There is an old charm about the steam locos and we are sure people will like to see them running,” he said.
