Charm of the old brought back to life
Gallery is targeted towards those who are interested in railway heritage and history. This will also tell people how Indian Railways has developed over the years.
S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @svs037
Heritage gallery at S Rly Hqrs
‘Old is gold,’ someone said, that is perhaps why it continues to mermerise us all even now. All those who step into the headquarters of Southern Railway from now on will experience this concept, thanks to the heritage gallery opened on its premises by Mansi Kulshrestha, president, Southern Railway Women’s Welfare Headquarters Organisation (SRWHO).
Southern Railway general manager R K Kulshrestha and additional general manager P K Mishra and other officials graced the occasion. General manager said the gallery is targeted towards those who are interested in railway heritage and history. This will also tell people how Indian Railways has developed over the years.
He also mentioned about the revival of steam Heritage by making both the static steam engines outside the Headquarters building more attractive to the Heritage Enthusiasts. The Photo Gallery has Heritage photographs archived from various sources as well as other developments of Southern Railway.
Indian Railways occupies a special place in the Heritage spectrum of the Nation. Heritage photo gallery at Southern Railway Headquarters is an effort to showcase interesting memorabilia of the Peninsular Zone of Indian Railways – the Southern Railway.
Some of the fascinating photographs from the Railway’s glorious past are a part of the gallery. Archived photographs of the engineering marvels of Southern Railway, namely, the UNESCO listed NMR, Great Pamban Bridge and Sengottai – Punalur section deserve special mention.
Enthralling portraits of the erstwhile era, vintage locos, signalling equipment, brass bells, heritage buildings , century-old cash chest will offer a visual retreat to rail aficionados. Photographs of Great Leaders’ iconic visits to erstwhile South Indian Railway are sure to make the visitor tread through the zone’s landmark moments.
It is also home to some of the significant moments from the present day Railway system like new station buildings, developments over the years, cutting edge technologies deployed.
The two-storeyed gallery is equipped with an LED TV to bring on record various innovations, important achievements, awards and felicitations accorded for meritorious employees besides special video clippings on Flagship projects like Swachh Bharat, bio-toilets.
‘Excellence on Track,’ a booklet on outstanding sports personnel of Southern Railway will also be placed on display for the visitors to scan through. A print version of ‘Timeline of Southern Railway’ will help recall the significant landmarks created and milestones surpassed during the zone’s historic journey.
The Heritage Gallery will be constantly updated as and when Heritage material and old pictures surface from various sources, from time to time. The Heritage Gallery will be open from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday.