23 April 2012

Shri Mahesh Kumar, GM, Opens Exhibition on the occasion of 57th Railway Week function


Shri Mahesh Kumar, GM, WR opened an exhibition at Churchgate Station Concourse on Friday, 13th April, 2012. This exhibition will remain open for the public from 10.00 am to 07.00 pm upto 16th April, 2012. On this occasion, Shri Mahesh Kumar said that the exhibition is very informative, useful and interesting. He hoped that it will be liked by the rail users as well as the general public.

Theme of Exhibition:
This exhibition showcases the history of Western Railway and the history of Narrow Gauge System which has completed 150 years on Western Railway. It also showcases the history of DC local trains which served the suburban section of Western Railway in Mumbai from 1928 till February, 2012 when the entire electric traction of the suburban network of WR was converted from Direct Current to Alternative Current. Moreover, the exhibition shows the promising present of WR.

Main Attractions:
ØThe main attractions of the exhibition include scrolls depicting historical landmarks as well as interesting working models of Vigilance Control Device (VCD), Narrow Gauge trains, old DC locals and present local trains etc.
ØRailway enthusiasts can also purchase various interesting books on railways and attractive Heritage Greeting Cards from the Book Sale Counter. About 10 interesting and very informative books on various rail related issues will be available for sale on this counter. Some of the books are "Western Railway – A Glorious Saga" by Shri R.R. Bhandari; "Mumbai Locals" by Sr.Correspondent of Navbharat Times, Mumbai Shri Vimal Mishra and "Dak Tikton Ka Safar" by Shri A.K. Jhingron, Retd GM, WR.
ØRailway enthusiasts can purchase beautiful and captivating models of "Fairy Queen Steam Engine". It was built in 1855 and it is the oldest working Broad Gauge engine. They can also buy models of KC 520 engine which was built in 1904 and worked on Kalka-Shimla Railway along with the model of GIP No.1 locomotive which was built in 1851 and nicknamed as "Bloomer".
ØThe viewers can also buy mugs of fine bone china with a logo of erstwhile BB&CI Railway and a light green small metal paper weight in the shape of a steam engine.


Social Awareness Issues:
Safety of its esteemed commuters has also been a prime concern of Western Railway. Various drives are regularly carried out by WR to warn/educate public on various safety related issues such as trespassing, roof top travelling and safety at level crossings. WR will showcase these social messages as well as messages on issues on Drugging, Ticketless Travelling, Cleanliness, etc.

Participation of Railway Enthusiasts :
For the first time it has been seen that the Railway enthusiasts are taking keen interest in participating in the WR Exhibition. Members of IRFCA, a group of Railway enthusiasts have express their keen interest to participate in this exhibition by providing rare photographs of old locomotives etc.