Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a move to preserve the rich technical heritage of Indian Railways, a narrow gauge (NG) engine -- Locomotive No 514 (ZDM5) – of historical significance and engineering marvel will be put on display at Rani Kamalapati Railway Station.
This Independence Day, the engine will be displayed at the main entrance of the station. The engine, weighing 22 tons, was officially designated as a heritage item on November 3, 2023.
It was originally used in the Dholpur region on narrow gauge trains, undertaking its first journey on June 3, 1991, and was retired on April 1, 2019, after serving for approximately 28 years. Its last run was on March 30, 2023, and officially retired on April 1, 2023.
The engine was transported to Rani Kamalapati Railway Station on July 23, after being preserved by the Vacuum Diesel NCR Loco Shed.
General Manager of Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, Mohit Somaiya, stated that the engine represents the technical evolution and history of Indian Railways and is a step towards connecting future generations to the railway heritage. The formal inauguration will be on August 15, Independence Day, he added.
