One of
the most enduring images of India is that of a hard-working, smoke-billowing
steam train moving gracefully along in a rural setting.
Come year 2000 and with the closure of the last normal working steam shed at
Wankaner, this scene will be no more. There are no doubt many who will miss
this inimitable part of travelling that has been a part of the entire existence
of railways in India. Steam was good for railways only as long as it was
considered cheaper to run steam locomotives in comparison with other forms of
motive power. However, there can be no doubt that steam will always have a
stronghold in the tourism sector for the reason that it evokes nostalgia for
rail-travel of a bygone era. The role played by steam locomotives in the
history of surface transport coming of age in the 19th century cannot be
ignored. The solid foundation of today’s modern railway system was laid by
steam locomotives, which reigned supreme on the railways of the world for a
century or more.
Darjeeling
Himalayan Railways and Nilgiri Mountain Railways, still worked by steam,
attract both domestic and overseas tourists by the thousands, yet they are
constantly endangered by the encroachment of diesel and even electric traction
of late!
Indian Steam Railway
Society (ISRS) was formed on October 23rd, 1999 when a group of like-minded
people met and discussed the present position and future possibilities
regarding the preservation of Indian Steam. Subsequently, a formal non-profit
Society was formed and it has been registered with the Registrar of Societies,
Delhi. The Founding Members of the society included Mr. R.C. Sethi,a retired General
Manager on Indian Railways, Mr. Mark
Tully, Ashwani Lohani (then Director NRM) , G Shankar (ex railways and RITES
Ltd.), Ravinder Gupta (then a Director in Railway Board),Dileep Prakash, P.J. Singh,Vikas Singh, Arun Mohan, and Bill
Aitken (all Rail enthusiasts, and Friends of NRM).
(Late)Mr. R.C. Sethi,
(Late) Mr. L.K.Sinha and Mr. R.S. Virdi have been the past Presidents of the
Society.
The objective of the
Society is to form a common platform for the Indian Steam Railway Enthusiasts
to exchange views and further their knowledge on the subject of Indian Steam
Railway. The Society will make representations to the Indian Railway Board for
more and more tourist special trains hauled by steam locomotives in the near
future.
·
Promote interest in and
share the knowledge of the Indian Railways steam heritage and current
developments amongst Steam Railway Enthusiasts by bringing them on a common
platform.
·
Stimulate public
affection by intelligent exposure of the Steam Railway’s contribution to the
development of the Nation.
·
Create awareness of the
excellence of the Indian Steam Railways Works and highlight the need for their
preservation in the interest of science and technology facilitating transport
and tourism.
·
Publish a quarterly
Newsletter for the members and patrons of the Society.
·
Organize regular
meetings, debates, seminars, competitions and quizzes for the members and the
public to exchange and further disseminate information on Steam Railways.
·
Assist in preservation
and revival of the remaining heritage of railways run on steam in India and to
promote Steam Heritage Tourism.
·
Participate in fund
raising activities consistent with the aims.
·
Preserve a working steam
heritage for the future generation to enjoy.
The Managing Committee
has also proposed formation of several chapters of the new society in the
various railway zones as well as production and research units of Indian
Railways. ISRS members meet on the second Sunday of every month at the National Rail Museum, New
Delhi. Besides this society also organizes an annual event, the
National Steam Congress sometime during the winter months.