Fire Devastates Narrow Gauge Rail Museum, Loss of Precious Heritage
A devastating fire engulfed the Narrow Gauge Rail Museum located at Kadbi Square, Motibagh, on Saturday night, causing significant damage to the historical literature and artifacts housed within its premises. The inferno, suspected to have been sparked by a short circuit, ravaged the Manager's cabin and an adjacent room containing invaluable documents related to Indian Railways' heritage.
The blaze also spread to the adjoining auditorium, where visitors were treated to documentaries showcasing the rich history of Narrow Gauge railways. The museum, renowned for its unique collection of engines and railway memorabilia from a bygone era, attracted visitors not only from within the city but also from abroad, including descendants of former British officers associated with the Great Peninsular Railways.
Preliminary estimates suggest a staggering loss of property amounting to Rs 75 lakh. However, the true tragedy lies in the destruction of decades-old documents meticulously curated to chronicle the evolution and operation of the Narrow Gauge system. Alongside these irreplaceable records, numerous miniature railway models, heritage postage stamps, electronic equipment including CCTV cameras and DVRs, computers, furniture, and office documents were reduced to ashes.
The fire also consumed approximately 76 chairs, two screens, projectors, and other paraphernalia housed in the auditorium. Prompt response from the Fire and Emergency Services of Nagpur Corporation (NMC), dispatching two fire tenders to the scene, helped contain the flames. Railway officials swiftly arrived at the site to assess the extent of the damage and initiate measures for recovery.
The loss of the Narrow Gauge Rail Museum is not merely a setback in terms of property damage but represents a profound loss to India's railway heritage. Efforts to salvage whatever remnants remain and reconstruct the museum's collection will undoubtedly be undertaken, but the irreplaceable historical documents and artifacts lost in the blaze serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our cultural legacy.
