Railway Museum Opened at New Tinsukia Junction

Tinsukia, Jul 27 : After Delhi and Kolkata, Tinsukia can now boast of a railway heritage museum having collectibles dating back to the 19th century.

Northeast Frontier Railway general manager Shiv Kumar inaugurated it at New Tinsukia railway junction here on Saturday.

Kumar said, "This museum exhibits railway pioneers of the 19th century and a diverse collection of yesteryears ranging from Britain-built original turntable manufactured in 1892, railway wheels used by the US army during the Second World War to the narrow gauge steam engine number 781 built in 1899 and used at Tipong to haul coal from colliery to original DHR coaches."

This museum would be vital to educate and inform the people of Assam, particularly children, who have not seen railway pioneers of the 19th century, about the rich heritage and history of Indian as well as Northeast Frontier Railway, he added.

With the theme dedicated to Dibru Sadiya railway and Assam Bengal Railway, the heritage park has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore.

The museum also contains a small gallery dedicated to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway a world heritage site declared by Unesco.

In addition, the children's park, a toy train for joy rides coupled with gardens, fountains and a railway station as it looked in the 19th century will be an enriching experience for everyone, said Sonjoy Mukherjee, DRM of Tinsukia railway division.

He added, "A heritage wall commemorating the Dibru Sadiya railway and Assam Bengal railway, the 1892-built railway turntable, bridge pillars built from 1894 to 1898, steel bridge girder of 1899 vintage, narrow gauge steam engine built in 1899, Lekhapani indoor picture gallery, air-conditioned conference cum video hall on wheels, toy train with Bholu the guard, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway gallery, children's park, coffee corner and hundreds of railways instruments and records dating back to the 19 th century and early 20th century will make this place unique."

Mukherjee said, "Most of the things were collected from junkyards where they were thrown for auction and renovated. These include the Assam railway original logo, railway coaches and wheels used by the US army during the Second World War."