Central Railway marked International Museum Day 2025 with a vibrant celebration of India’s rich railway legacy at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Heritage Museum. Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed CSMT building, the museum came alive with activities and exhibitions in tune with this year’s theme: “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
Reflecting the theme’s focus on preservation, innovation, and community engagement, the CSMT Heritage Museum showcased the dynamic evolution of Indian Railways—from its roots in the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) to the cutting-edge high-speed trains of today. Rare exhibits, including scale models of the historic GIP1 locomotive, the Vande Bharat Express, and the futuristic Shinkansen E5 Bullet Train, captivated visitors. A standout feature was the fully functional 1:4 scale model of the Barsi Light Railway steam engine, offering a glimpse into early narrow-gauge operations.
"As part of its commemoration, Central Railway is conducting engaging quizzes on its popular social media handles, encouraging public participation. Winners will receive a special complimentary guided tour of the CSMT Heritage Museum, offering a rare chance to explore the grandeur of the UNESCO-listed terminus building and learn about the evolution of Indian Railways" said an official of CR.
"To enhance visitor interaction, all exhibits were equipped with QR codes providing digital storytelling, allowing a deeper dive into the technological and cultural heritage of Indian Railways. The museum also features historical artefacts such as signal lamps, bells, tools, Mangalore tiles, and medical equipment from the early days of railway services" he said.
In alignment with the theme to empower and enlighten India’s future generations about our railway legacy, Central Railway regularly conducts special heritage museum tours for underprivileged and special-needs groups. These include children undergoing cancer treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital, and most recently, 45 rural girl children from remote villages between Asangaon and Kasara, who were given exposure to Mumbai city and the CSMT Heritage Museum. These initiatives aim to inspire young minds with the pioneering spirit and innovation that built Indian Railways.
Located in one of the most celebrated railway buildings in the world, the museum not only tells the story of technology and engineering but also reflects the vision and pioneering efforts of the founding fathers of Indian Railways, who brought the concept of rail transport to the people of India with bold imagination and aggressive outreach.
