Semaphore signals at old Adra station yard

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22: The fascinating history of railways that have been an integral part of Indian life for over 150 years can now be experienced through images displayed at a special gallery at the Rail Sadan here.

The East Coast Railway headquarters recently inaugurated a Railway Heritage Centre that houses over a century-old photographs on the early days of railways in the country.

Most of the photographs depict the old world charm of the railways before Independence. Images from the days of the Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR) and East India Railway (EIR) are on display.

A unique collection of pictures of hand painted logos and emblems that were in use in the past by different railway departments are also on display.

This collection gives the visitors an idea about the geographic and cultural highlights of the divisions the symbols stood for.

While the logo of the Bengal Nagpur division features a tiger and a snake to represent the wildlife of both the regions, the Mewar State Railway showcases brave warriors Mewar was known for.

A collection of pictures of hand-painted logos and emblems used by various railway departments. Pictures by Sanjib Mukherjee

The Junagadh State Railway is a collage of images of a lion and sailing ships with the Junagadh Fort in the backdrop and the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway features a painting of the Golconda fort of Hyderabad.

“The logos are very impressive. The designs highlight the most popular features of a particular region. The colour scheme and art work is also interesting,” said Pratima, a visitor.

Photographs of steam engines, old stations and the people involved since the evolution of railways in India are on display as well.

These include photos of some of the first railway signals and even the “panipandes” or people from different religions who were posted at the platforms to serve drinking water to passengers.

A segment is also dedicated to paintings created by well-known artists during an art camp, Artways, in 2002 for the 150th year celebrations of the Indian Railways.

The paintings depict the different characters and situations from Indian literature that revolve around railways.

“There are plans to develop this heritage centre by exhibiting vintage equipment of signaling systems as well as items used in railway stations, retiring rooms, railway institutions, workshops, furniture, old tickets and so on,” said Subrata Tripathy, a senior railway official.

The gallery is open to the public for viewing.

A library with 15,000 books on various subjects was also inaugurated on the occasion of Independence Day when the gallery was opened.

“We welcome researchers to visit the library. Books will be lent for reading at home to family members of railway officials,” he said.