Chennai, Jan 27 (ANI): The Southern Railways ran a couple of heritage train trips using a steam locomotive of 1947 vintage, named ‘Shahanshah’ from Royapuram Railway Station in Chennai to Tambaram, a suburb on the outskirts of the city on the occasion of Republic Day.

The objective was to provide people a picture of trains that chugged alonghe tracks at the time of India’s Independence.

The train steamed out of Roypuram Railway Station, the oldest railway station of Southern Railways in Chennai and chugged upto Tambaram, on the outskirts of city and later did a return run from Tambaram to Royapuram.

“The Railways in itself, the fact that it moves millions of passengers and how it is a part of our lives and how integrated our lives are with the Railways. So I hope this run does both of that. The classic lines of the steam locomotive and what the Railways mean to the travelling public,” said Neenu Ityra, Chief Public Relations Officer, Southern Railways.

Many people boarded this train and enjoyed the trip with songs and dance.

“It is a very good exposure about steam engines. Indian Railways arranged this and I am very happy to see this,” said Sheelu, a passenger.

‘Shahanshah’, the steam locomotive was one of several prototypes received from the United States before regular production of such locos was started at the Chitaranjan Locomotive Works after India gained Independence in 1947.

The 62-year-old ‘Shahanshah’ was the mainstay of steam-horses in the inventory of Southern Railway and hauled prime mail and express trains until late 1970s. (ANI)