Chennai gets to see the oldest working locomotive

S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs037

Chennai was the cynosure of all eyes on 14 December when its people got a glimpse of the world’s oldest working locomotive. The moment was enriching as the past came to life hustling and bustling.

Not only locals, foreigners too took ride in the train that was hauled by EIR 21, which is similar to Fairy Queen in appearance and is 164 years old. The train began its ride soon after Rajesh Agarwal, member, rolling stock, Railway Board, New Delhi flagged it off.

Going into the history of EIR 21, it was originally shipped to India from England in 1855. After withdrawal from service in 1909, this loco was kept as an exhibit at Jabalpur Workshops and Howrah Station for over 101 years.

During this period this loco was in the sun and rain, many parts were corroded, some were missing, some were broken and some were not fit for use. Loco Works, Perambur took the challenge of reviving the presently 164 year old steam loco in 2010.

These steam heritage runs are operated to showcase the heritage value of Indian Railways. So, far, the nine heritage runs have been organized by Southern Railway in Chennai Division.

Heritage special runs were also conducted in Salem, Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram divisions of Southern Railway.

First heritage run was from Chennai Central to Avadi on 15 August, 2010. Second was from Chennai Egmore to Guindy on 15 August, 2011. The third was between Chennai Egmore to Guindy on 26th January, 2012. The fourth run took place on 6 February, 2012. The fifth run was on 26 January, 2013 from Chennai Egmore to Guindy.