OREANDA-NEWS. Once again the steam tourist train consisting of two coaches hauled by steam engine, named ‘Akbar’ is all set to commence its package tour between Delhi and Alwar in current season from tomorrow i.e. 26th October, 2013. The 48 year-old steam engine ‘Akbar’ which will haul this train is one of the last surviving vintage steam locomotives and was manufactured at Chittranjan Locomotive Works.   The loco has been named after the great Mughal emperor of the same name. This Pacific class of Broad Gauge loco is capable of speeds up to 110 kmph and used to haul prestigious express trains.  After remaining many years out of service, ‘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 Railway which is rehabilitating ‘steam’ locos and carrying out Periodic Overhaul of these locos.

The engine was recently in news with its use in the famous film ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’ – A film portraying famous Indian runner, Shri 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.

This tourist steam train starts from Delhi Cantonment Station of the capital and travels to Alwar (138 kms) in Rajasthan via Rewari on a tour package which includes a visit to the Sariska National Park near Alwar. This will give opportunity to the tourists for tiger sighting at Sariska. The train in its current season will travel between October, 2013 to April, 2014 on every second and fourth Saturdays, starting from 26th October 2013 as per the following schedule.