Jamalpur Railway Heritage Museum

Explore India’s First Railway Workshop Legacy in Jamalpur

Overview

Jamalpur Railway Heritage Museum is located within the historic Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop in Munger district, Bihar. Established in 2018 by Eastern Railway, it showcases the evolution of India’s first full-fledged railway workshop (est. 1862) through restored steam engines, vintage artifacts, and interactive displays.

Visitors can walk through preserved workshop bays, view heritage machinery, and learn about the workshop’s pioneering role in locomotive production and maintenance.

Historical Background

1862: Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop founded by East Indian Railway Company as India’s first railway workshop.
1870–1893: First rolling mill (1870) and foundry (1893) in an Indian railway workshop were established here.
1899: Produced “Lady Curzon,” the workshop’s first indigenous steam locomotive.
2018: “DHARA” Heritage Museum inaugurated inside the workshop to preserve century-old clocks, photographs, and documents.

Architectural Highlights

Preserved colonial-era workshop bays with original steel trusses and brick facades.
Heritage “DHARA” wing housed in a restored administrative block featuring vintage workshop equipment.
Open-air display yards showcasing steam cranes and rolling mill relics under shade structures.

Major Galleries & Collections

Steam Locomotive Gallery

Restored steam engines including “Lady Curzon” and other 19th-century locomotives.

Foundry & Tooling Displays

Vintage machine tools, mold patterns, and demonstration of iron-casting techniques.

Workshop Memorabilia

Heritage photographs, wall clocks, century-old documents, and artifacts from the Locomotive Department.

Special Exhibitions & Events

Annual Heritage Locomotive Rally: Demonstrations of steam engines and vintage railway drills (January).
Workshop Open Days: Guided tours through active workshop sections and heritage museum (every March).
Model Railway Fair: Enthusiast displays of scale railway models in the museum hall (December).

Educational Programs

Guided heritage tours explaining locomotive mechanics and history.
Hands-on workshops on locomotive maintenance techniques for students.
Interactive “Kids at the Workshop” sessions with mini-engineering activities.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed Sunday)

Entry Fee

₹30 (Adult), ₹100 (Foreigner)
Students & Children: Free

Best Time to Visit

October – February

How to Reach

By Train: Jamalpur Junction (adjacent to museum).
By Road: State-run buses from Patna, Bhagalpur; auto-rickshaws from Jamalpur town.
By Air: Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna (200 km) then taxi or intercity bus.

Travel Tips

Carry a valid ID for entry; students get free admission.
Photography is permitted in open-air exhibits only (no flash in closed galleries).
Wear comfortable shoes as the museum covers multiple workshop sections.
Guided tours start at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM—book in advance on weekends.

Facilities & Amenities

Cafeteria

Wheelchair Access

Souvenir Shop

Parking

Nearby Attractions

Munger Fort

Historical fort complex overlooking the Ganges with Mughal-era bastions.

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Bengal Artillery Park

Museum showcasing British-era artillery pieces and military memorabilia.

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Bihar School of Yoga

Renowned yoga institute offering classes and retreats in a serene campus.

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Testimonials

“Walking through the heritage workshop was like stepping into railway history itself. Incredible experience!”

— Rajat Verma

“The steam locomotive exhibits and interactive tours are perfect for kids and adults alike. Must-visit for railway enthusiasts.”

— Neha Singh

“Amazing to see original 19th-century machinery still intact and explained so well. Truly a heritage gem.”

— Dr. Anupam Kumar

FAQs

Yes, photography is allowed in open galleries and outdoor exhibits. Flash is not permitted inside enclosed areas.

Yes, guided tours are provided twice daily. Advance booking is recommended on weekends.

Yes, ramps and accessible pathways are provided. Please request a wheelchair at the information desk if needed.

Jamalpur Railway Heritage Museum

Overview

Historical Background

Architectural Highlights