Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata, opened its revamped and updated Transport Gallery on May 18, International Museum Day. The entire gallery received an aesthetic update and three new models were introduced, focusing on latest technologies.
As visitors explored the gallery, they saw updated exhibits showcasing advancements in transportation. The new models highlighted the latest technological innovations, providing a fresh perspective on the evolution of transport. This update further aims to enhance the educational experience and offer a more engaging look at the history and future of transportation.
A model depicts the underwater Metro system in Kolkata.
Upon entering the gallery, visitors are greeted by a wall of information on various Metro railway systems around the world. This introduction to the first underground metro system is complemented by a highly detailed model, based on actual engineered blueprints. A significant highlight is Kolkata’s achievement as the first city to have an underwater Metro. A model of this Metro, complete with moving miniature trains, is also on display.
The transport gallery visually narrates the evolution of the transport system from its earliest times to the present day. At the entrance, visitors encounter a model of a bullock cart from Mohenjodaro, along with a transport model from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Subsequent models depict chariots from the Vedic, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman periods, showcasing the craftsmanship of these eras. The gallery also illustrates how environments such as deserts, snow and mountains have influenced transport systems through various models. The evolution of boats and bicycles is represented by numerous models.
Vande Bharat Express, a new model at the museum.
“From 1959, we have been trying to bring science to people and to make people for science. Though presenting different contemporary exhibitions, I strongly believe that science and technology are fast changing and we need to remain in tune with the same. The current generation is definitely very tech-savvy and with that in view, we decided to highlight the fundamentals of transport as a technology and science,” added Subhabrata Chaudhuri, director, Birla Industrial and Technological Museum.
As visitors proceed to the second enclave, they will get to see models symbolising the evolution of wheels, marking the progress of human civilisation up to the 18th century. This period witnessed mechanisation that revolutionised transportation methods and vehicles. The gallery features models of Cugnot’s vehicle, the first self-propelled car, Trevithick’s road locomotive, Benz’s automobile, and Daimler’s motorcycle, illustrating the development of automobiles. Visitors can also view working models and replicas of railway engines, coaches, and wagons, including India’s flagship Vande Bharat Express.
The revamped transport gallery also features models of Cugnot’s vehicle, the first self-propelled car, Trevithick’s road locomotive, Benz’s automobile, and Daimler’s motorcycle, illustrating the development of automobiles.
“This initiative of BITM aims to educate the current generation about the developments and innovations they need to be aware of. After a detailed discussion with the director, we came to the conclusion of providing things which the future generation must know about and hence, the idea of this update came up. Even though the young generation today regularly uses the Metro, they are simply not aware that this transport infrastructure has grown and is in use today. Moreover, we as humans have the tendency to think ‘eta hobe na, ota hobe na’, (this won’t work, that won’t work) but in reality, nothing is impossible. As today, we the people of Kolkata have shown the world that people can travel beneath the Hooghly river without any hindrances using our newly launched Metro services,” said Kausik Mitra, chief public relations officer, Eastern Railway.
