It is a reincarnation for 'Akbar'. One of the last surviving vintage steam locomotives of Indian Railways, Akbar has undergone a renovation at the Amritsar workshop of the Indian Railway and is ready to haul coaches of a tourist train between New Delhi and Alwar in Rajasthan from Saturday.
The 48-year-old steam engine manufactured by Chittaranjan locomotive Works has been named after the third Mughal emperor, Akbar. This Pacific class of Broad Gauge locomotive is capable of speeds up to 110 km per hour and used to haul prestigious express trains in its days of operation.
“After remaining out of service for many years, 'Akbar' loco was restored, overhauled and reclaimed in full working condition at the Amritsar workshop of Northern Railway in October 2012. Amritsar Workshop has acquired unique distinction of being the only workshop of Indian Railways which is rehabilitating 'steam' locos and carrying out periodic overhaul of these locos,” a Railway official said.
The engine was recently in news when it featured in Bollywood blockbuster — Bhaag Milkha Bhaag — a film on famous Indian sprinter Milkha Singh. “The steam engine hauled train takes us to nostalgic scenario of rhythmic chugging and whistling in the form of quintessential chhuk chhuk and synchronised throw of black smoke from steam loco. Rewari Steam locomotive heritage shed of the Northern Railway is the home of this loco,” Railway official said.
The tourist steam will start from Delhi Cantonment Station in the National Capital and travel to Alwar (138 kms) in Rajasthan via Rewari on a tour package, which includes a visit to the Sariska National Park near Alwar. The journey comes with tiger sighting opportunity at Sariska.
Starting October 26, the train in its current season will run between October 2013 and April 2014 on every second and fourth Saturdays. The journey between Delhi and Alwar will take about six hours.A full package including a round trip journey between Delhi and Alwarcombined with stay at Sariska and sightseeing will cost Rs 12,375 for an adult and Rs 6,325 for a child. The cheapest package includes a one-way journey between Rewari and Alwar and comes at a cost of Rs 2,275 for an adult and Rs 1,275 for a child. Indian Railways has tied up with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) for off board hospitality and IRCTC for on-board hospitality.