Fairy Queen Train

The Fairy Queen is an eminent train that boasts of the world's oldest steam locomotive. In 1855, the royal Fairy Queen let out steam for the first time under the supervision of the erstwhile East Indian Railway. Initially, Fairy Queen dragged light mail trains between Howrah and Ranigunj, in no time; it was assigned to handle the construction duty in Bihar. By the year 1909, the locomotive was sent to grace a pedestal outside the Howrah Railway Station near Calcutta.

After 34 year of showcasing, the locomotive was transferred to the Railway Zonal Training School at Chandausi in 1943. Here, it became the object of curiosity for many students. In 1972, the Government of India depicted the engine as a national treasure and bestowed heritage status to it. The locomotive was groomed up and allocated a special place in the National Rail Museum at Delhi. With the arrival of Palace on Wheels in 1997, Indian Government thought to add one more lavish wonder to the luxury trains of India.

The locomotive was done up to bring it in working condition for its first mainline journey in 88 years. This initiative brought 'Fairy Queen' on the pages of Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest working locomotive. In the present day, this world's oldest steam locomotive is plying regularly on the tracks between New Delhi to Alwar. Fairy Queen takes on a two-day excursion from New Delhi heading for Alwar and ultimately to Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Generally, this locomotive works on the 2nd and the 4th Saturday between the months of October and March. The train has only one AC coach that can embrace up to 50 passengers at a time. To the privileged passengers, catering services are provided on the board by the pantry car. The coach also boasts of a striking lounge in the obverse of the coach that too offers a picturesque vista of the landscape. A trip along with 'Fairy Queen' is undoubtedly a pleasant experience to explore nature and heritage in the company of extravagance.