A model of a mini electromagnetic railway engine greets the visitors as they step into the Railway Hall in Arundelpet where an exhibition tracing the evolution of Indian Railways from the days of British Raj to the modern times was inaugurated on Friday. Fascinating pictures of locos chugging away in some of the most picturesque settings of the country are on display. The electromagnetic train is the future train running on the principle of linear induction, says engineer Naga Raju. A model of first steam locomotive, Fairy Queen is also displayed. The visitors are then offered a peak into the evolution of Indian Railways through a photo exhibition. Several interesting pictures are on the display. The iconic Churchgate railway station in Mumbai was captured in a lithe black and white photo in 1956 and so are the pictures of the first air conditioned coach. A picture of big blocks of ice being taken inside a compartment is amusing. Can anyone imagine that there were times when bulls were used to pull railway engine? It would be interesting to note that the first diesel loco chugged off in 1807. In 1931, the first electrical locomotive was run and it was interesting to note that the first electrical locomotive between Vijayawada and Chennai was run in 1981.
Philately show
In addition to the pictures, a philatelic exhibition by superintendent of the Electrical Department and also secretary of Guntur District Philatelist and Numismatics society M.V.S. Prasad too was appealing. A rare collection of coins, currency and stamps associated with Railways all over the world are put on display by Mr. Prasad, which included a special commemorative stamp marking the 150 years of Indian Railways. A Rs.100 special stamp on Mahatma Gandhi showing him spinning Khadi is also on display along with many other interesting stamps. Divisional Railway Manager, Guntur, N.K Prasad inaugurated the exhibition. Reena Prasad, president of Guntur branch of South Central Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation, was present.
