Kids’ Delight: Your Guide to the National Rail Museum in Delhi

One of the largest rail networks in the world, Indian Railways has been the principal mode of transport in India for almost two centuries.

Celebrating this impressive network, the National Rail Museum is sure to delight you with its remarkable display of India’s rail heritage, antique locomotives, exclusive exhibits, train rides and more. Spread over an area of 11 acres, this one-of-a-kind museum offers attractions not just for kids, but for all ages, and makes for a fun learning experience!

Read on to know what to look forward to at the National Rail Museum, which is loved and enjoyed by all.

1. Fabulous Collection of India’s Rail Heritage

Explore 160 years of Indian Railways with the museum’s remarkable collection of historical photographs, documents, railway artifacts, and train models, both static and working. An information tablet next to each exhibit ensures an educational and engaging visit.

2. State-of-the-Art Indoor Section

From historical records and train models, to railway infrastructure and interactive exhibits, the indoor gallery is sure to amaze every visitor with its exclusive collection. Also on display are different types of signaling equipment, telecommunication systems, Indian railway uniforms, antique railway furniture, and builder plates of companies engaged in locomotive construction.

3. Outdoor Gallery

Emulating the setting of a railway yard, the expansive outdoor gallery houses a variety of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, and a fascinating collection of wagons, carriages, armoured trains, and rail cars. These original life-size exhibits have been maintained and restored since years, some over a century. Besides these, the outdoor section also has a turntable, and a rail garden, showcasing models of trains passing through India’s varied terrains.

4. Rarest Exhibits

Of its exotic collection of exhibits from around the world, the Fairy Queen— known to be the oldest working steam locomotive in the world— is the most popular. The Patiala State Monorail, one of the few running steam monorails in the world, is also on display. Do not miss the Morris Fire Engine near the entrance, the only one of its kind running on rubber tyres.

5. Royal Collection

Go back in time with the vintage locomotives and coaches of India’s princely states. Among the royal coaches on display are the Prince of Wales Saloon, the Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon, and the Maharaja of Baroda’s Saloon. Peep through their windows for magnificent and elegant interiors of the imperial trains of those times. The National Rail Museum also houses some coaches of the original ‘Palace on Wheels’.

6. Photo Opportunities

Do not miss the opportunity of getting clicked with some of the most exotic and vintage locomotives. Visitors also have a chance to get a personalized copy of the museum’s NRM Times with their picture on the front page.

7. Rides & 3D Simulators

Experience different types of locomotives with the Diesel and Steam Simulators, enjoy a virtual 3D Coach Ride, and go back to being a child as you ride the Toy Train through the sprawling outdoor gallery. On Sundays, the Patiala State Monorail is also open for rides.

8. An Exciting Event Calendar

The National Rail Museum organizes not just school visits and summer camps, but also exhibitions and panel discussions for people of all ages. Every year, Museum Day and Children’s Day are celebrated at the museum with much enthusiasm, special activities and competitions.

9. The Rails Restaurant

Fancy a royal meal? Inspired by the model train of the Maharaja of Gwalior’s banquet table, this restaurant has a unique serving train, which chugs around the restaurant serving food.

10. Exciting Souvenirs

While here, take home not just great memories and fun facts about Indian Railways, but also an exciting array of souvenirs like train models, posters, postcards, apparel, books and more.

Location: Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi- 110021

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry Ticket: Weekdays – Rs.50/adult, Rs.10/child, Weekends & Holidays – Rs.100/adult, Rs.20/child

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