A vintage tourist train by Indian Railways, consisting of two coaches hauled by steam engine “Akbar”, will commence running in the current season between Delhi and Alwar in Rajasthan from today i.e. October 27, 2013.
The 48 year-old steam engine is one of the last surviving vintage steam locomotives in the country. Named after the great Mughal emperor Akbar, the Pacific class broad gauge loco is capable of speeds up to 110 kmph and used to haul prestigious express trains.
After remaining out of service for several years, ‘Akbar’ was restored, overhauled and reclaimed in full working condition. The engine was recently in the news with its use in the famous film ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’, portraying the life of famed Indian runner Milkha Singh.
The tourist train will start from Delhi Cantonment Station of the 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. This would also give an opportunity to the tourists to sight tigers in Sariska.
The train in its current season will travel between October 2013 and April, 2014 on every second and fourth Saturdays, starting from today.
Booking can be done on IRCTC’s website http://www.railtourismindia.com.
Rajasthan Tourism Beat 