Fairy Queen

Fairy Queen

Built in 1855 in Leeds, England, the Fairy Queen is the world’s oldest working steam locomotive, operating as a luxury heritage train in India. It hauled light mail in West Bengal before being retired in 1909. Restored in 1997, it was certified by Guinness World Records in 1998 for its service between Delhi and Sariska Tiger Reserve. 

Key Historical Moments:

• Construction & Service (1855-1908): Built by Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson, it was used by the East Indian Railway (EIR-22) and was operational during the 1857 Revolt.
• Retirement & Display (1909-1996): Housed outside Howrah Station for 34 years and later at the Railway Zonal Training School in Chandausi, it was recognized as a national treasure in 1972.
• Resurrection (1997): Recommissioned for tourism, it began luxury trips from Delhi to Alwar.
• Guinness World Record (1998): Certified as the oldest working steam locomotive.
• Present Status: While vandalized in 2011, it was restored and is now housed at the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum. 

The Luxury Experience:

• Route: The train journeys from Delhi Cantonment to Alwar, with visits to the Sariska Tiger Reserve
  
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• Structure: Unlike modern luxury trains, the Fairy Queen is intimate, with a 60-seater air-conditioned chair car and a pantry car, featuring a front-view lounge.
• Operational Period: Typically operates between October and March, often on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. 

The locomotive often uses a 1965-built WP 7161 engine for tourist, known as the "Steam Express," but retains its historic significance as the legendary Fairy Queen.