System for Museums & Archives for Research and Access to Knowledge
| Place | Chennai |
|---|---|
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 2002 |
| Museum Type | Rail Heritage / Technical / Interactive |
| National Importance Museum | No |
| Address | Next to ICF Furnishing Division, New Avadi Rd, Lakshmipuram, Villivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600038 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday) Closed on Mondays and National Holidays. |
| Entry Fee | Weekdays: Adults ₹50, Kids ₹10. Weekends/Holidays: Adults ₹100, Kids ₹20. Toy Train: ₹20–₹50 extra. |
Opened on April 16, 2002, the museum spans 6.25 acres in the Perambur area. It was established by the Ministry of Railways to preserve technical and heritage exhibits, including century-old steam engines. It was renamed "Chennai Rail Museum" in 2016 to honor the city's heritage.
The museum features both indoor and outdoor galleries. It houses approximately 40 vintage locomotives, various coaches (including narrow gauge), signal equipment, and working scale models. Indoor galleries display rare photographs, documents, and historical artifacts detailing the 170-year history of Indian Railways.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) Exhibit: Features an original first-class coach and the specialized rack-and-pinion system used in the Ooty hills. Fowler Steam Ploughing Engine (1895): A rare surviving model manufactured by John Fowler. It also houses a coach used by Mahatma Gandhi during his rail travels.
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The museum is famous for its Toy Train ride that takes visitors around the perimeter of the park. It also features a unique railway-themed restaurant, Chennai Express, housed inside a refurbished railway coach. |
| Artifacts | British-era Steam Locomotives (F-class, meter-gauge); Hercules Crane (used for rescue operations); Vintage Double-Deck Coaches (1860s); Neal’s Ball Token signaling equipment; Metal sculptures made from scrap rail parts; 3D Mural art. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 44 2614 6306 / +91 44 2614 6305 |
| Email ID | webmaster@icf.railnet.gov.in (ICF general inquiries) |
