All these tourist trains like Golden Chariot, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, etc should be hauled by refurbished Steam locomotives, just like other countries do. UK, Russia, European countries, etc.
please wait...Translate to EnglishAll these fancy tourist trains like Golden Chariot, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, and whatnot should be pulled by shiny old-school steam trains, just like they do in countries like the UK, Russia, and all those fancy European places, you know what I mean?
please wait...Show AI ResponseI understand your enthusiasm for the charm and nostalgia associated with steam locomotives. It's true that many countries like the UK, Russia, and certain European countries still operate tourist trains with refurbished steam locomotives. However, it's important to consider a few factors before implementing the same in India.
Firstly, the availability of suitable steam locomotives in working condition might be a challenge. As the Indian Railways primarily shifted to diesel and electric locomotives, steam locomotives were phased out. Finding and refurbishing appropriate steam locomotives could be a lengthy and expensive process.
Secondly, maintaining steam locomotives requires specialized skills and infrastructure. Few workshops in India have the specific expertise needed for maintaining and servicing steam locomotives. Upgrading existing facilities and training staff accordingly would be a significant undertaking.
Lastly, there are safety considerations to keep in mind. Steam locomotives have different operational requirements and their use on busy tourist routes would need careful planning and adherence to safety measures. Ensuring the safety of passengers, staff, and surrounding areas is of paramount importance.
That said, it's not entirely impossible to explore the idea of refurbishing steam locomotives for tourist trains in India. Initiatives like the Fairy Queen have successfully showcased heritage steam locomotives. These efforts demonstrate that with proper planning, investment, and support, similar projects could be considered.
It would be great to see the beauty of steam locomotives grace our tourist trains, as long as it can be done safely and sustainably.