Hubballi Has A New Railway Museum And Has Just Opened Its Doors To The Public!

Train enthusiasts and history buffs, you’ve got a new spot to check out – the Hubballi Railway Museum which has just opened its doors to visitors!

Picture Credit: The News Minute

Coming just months after the news of Hubballi getting the world’s longest railway platform, the city is in news again for another rail-related activity. And, if you’re an avid train-lover like Sheldon Cooper, then the news is sure to delight you. Hubballi’s getting a new rail museum to showcase the heritage of Indian Railways with exhibits and artefacts from past decades! Located near Hubballi Railway Station on Gadag Road, the museum will be open to visitors from Wednesday, August 5. 
Picture Credit: The News Minute

Taking you through the evolution of railway systems and operations, the museum is spread across two cottages – Ghataprabha and Malaprabha (named after the Mahadayi river tributaries) – as well as an outdoor area. However, the magic begins right from the entrance arch. Done up with emblems of South Western Railway’s yesteryear trains, the museum’s grand arch transports you back in time starting from the moment you step in. You’ll find everything from rails and sleepers to level crossing gate and analogue signals in the galleries here. Our favourite though would be the narrow gauge coach which has statues of passengers from various parts of the country, depicting ‘Unity in Diversity’.
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Built in 1907, the cottages have several artefacts and models for you to gape at. Step into Ghataprabha and you’ll see a model room with a running and age-old signal instruments. History of locomotives, antique books and railways’ workings on medical and security fronts are also displayed here. Take some time to stop by the history corner on old railway companies before heading to the memorabilia counter to score yourself some souvenirs. 
Picture Credit: The News Minute

The Malaprabha Cottage welcomes you in with an art gallery of charcoal sketches. Look out for their model of an old booking office, complete with a ticketing counter, printed tickets and an iron cash chest. Or perhaps the station master room with its simulation of the old panel, registers, furniture, station master and points-man will catch your attention. They’ve even recreated a waiting room with antique furniture and a parcel office with a 150-year-old parcel weighing machine. Owing to COVID-19 related guidelines, only 30 visitors will be allowed inside at a time. Wearing masks and using sanitisers before entering are mandatory. Oh, and there’s free entry for public between August 5 and August 9 (4 pm to 7 pm)! 
Where: Hubballi Railway Museum, 8, National Highway 63, Prakash Colony, Nehru Nagar Prakash Colony, Nehru Nagar Hubli
When: Tuesday, August 11 onwards, 12 pm to 7 pm on weekdays and 12 pm to 8 on weekends and public holidays (closed on Mondays)
Price: Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for children between 5-12 years 

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