Indian Railways Restores 58 Year-Old Locomotive 'Akbar'

This Pacific class of Broad Gauge loco is capable of speeds up to 110 kmph and was used to haul prestigious express trains.

The steam engine-hauled train takes us to a nostalgic scenario of rhythmic chugging and whistling and a synchronised throw of black smoke from the steam loco.

The restoration

Indian Railways has restored 'Akbar', a 58-year-old train. This is one of the last surviving vintage steam locomotives and was manufactured at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW). Presently, the Rewari Steam Locomotive Heritage Shed of the Northern Railway is the home of this loco.

Have a look at the video posted by Northern Railway.

Previous restoration works

The locomotive was also restored in 2012 to carry tourists between Delhi and Alwar. It was then restored, overhauled, and reclaimed in complete working condition at the Northern Railways (NR) Amritsar workshop. It commenced its package tour between the two cities on October 26, 2013, which included a visit to Sariska National Park.

Meanwhile, the Amritsar Workshop is the only workshop in India to restore 'steam' locos and carry out Periodic Overhauls of these locos.

Sources said a large sum of money is spent every year on the maintenance of the steam engine by the railways.

Post from the Northern Railway

Northern Railway shared an emotional update on Akbar, quoting, "Remembering the Railway Heroes in Bollywood! Akbar, a 58-year-old locomotive, restored to working condition at the Heritage Steam Shed in Rewari, has featured in many hit Bollywood movies like Bhag Milka Bhag and Sultan."

Akbar's history

The loco has been named after the great Mughal emperor Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar. This locomotive was started in 1965.

In 2017, during the trial, Akbar crashed through the main gate of the shed and rolled on for about 2km towards the main track of the Rewari-Rohtak route before getting derailed and coming to a halt outside the heritage site.

Akbar in movies

The Akbar locomotive is easily recognised by its cone-shaped, bulging nose with a silver star painted on it. Akbar was featured in more than 20 Bollywood movies. The list includes "Bhag Milkha Bhag", based on the famous Indian runner Shri Milkha Singh. The loco is also featured in the 'Sultan' movie.