World Public Transport Day 2023: 4 must-see transport museums in India and abroad

Srinagar Smart City Ltd received the award for Best Public Transport System at the 16th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition in Delhi from October 27-29. (Representational image: Hong Son via Pexels)

In August this year, the Union Cabinet approved an ambitious Rs 57,613 crore plan to deploy 10,000 e-buses on public private partnership model in 169 Indian cities with population of 300,000-plus (2011 census), and upgrade infrastructure in 181 cities under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives. The move is in answer to rising demand for multimodal, affordable, safe green public transport as traffic chokes our cities and towns, and air pollution levels breach unsafe levels in many places across India.

Urban mobility is a key requirement for sustainable growth. Indeed, Indian cities have readily adopted safe and sustainable public transport where it has become available. Extensions to Namma Metro in Bengaluru, for example, have been welcomed by commuters thronging the stations. Indeed, history is littered with examples of how modes of transport from horse-drawn carriages to railways and now electric vehicles and metro rails have changed the way we live, work - and move.

The importance of public transport can be hardly overemphasized. On World Public Transport Day (November 10), we list four transport museums that you must check out to understand the nuances of public transport.

HAL Museum, Bengaluru

India’s premier aeronautical institute, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, has a wonderful Heritage Center and Aeronautical Museum in Bengaluru that is dedicated to all things aircrafts. With an interesting display across internal and external spaces, the museum has one section dedicated to the growth of aviation every decade from 1940 till date.

The Hall of Fame section that has information on the heritage of aerospace in India. You can also see motorized cross-sections of various models of Aero Engines like Garret (Dornier Aircraft), Adour (Jaguar Aircraft) and Orpheus (Kiran Aircraft).

When here do not miss the display on the walls. Specifically look for the amazing image that shows airline tails from all over. The life-size models of Marut, MIG-21, HT-2, Kiran, Canberra, Ajeet, Lakshya and PSLV model and PSLV Heat shield are displayed as well.

If you would like to read, there is an inhouse library on aerospace. Set amidst a landscaped space there is a sustainability park as well where you can see solar power systems, biogas plants and hybrid windmill models.

Life-size models of Marut, MiG-21, HT-2, Kiran, Canberra, Ajeet, Lakshya and PSLV model and PSLV Heat shield are displayed at HAL Museum, Bengaluru. (Photo by Bindu Gopal Rao)

Rail Museum, Mysore

An open-air display of old train engines and locomotives along with smaller interior galleries that showcase the growth of railways in India, Mysore's Rail Museum was started in 1979. Some interesting models on display include the MG Steam Locomotive - YP-2511, NG Steam Locomotive-E-506, NG Steam Locomotive - 119 E and MG Steam Locomotive -TS 37338.

The Chamundi Gallery here has several black-and-white photographs and paintings that chart the growth of the Indian Railways. A 1934 steam water pump and 1885 hand-operated crane are on display as well.

When here, do not miss the unique 1925 model Austin, that has been converted into railcar after having been fitted with rail wheels. Inspection officials would use this on the track, and it can still run. The star attraction though is the 1899 Maharani’s saloon carriage complete with a kitchen, dining car unit and royal toilet.

Mysore's Rail Museum was started in 1979. (Photo by Bindu Gopal Rao)

Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne

Destination Verkehrhaus, or the Swiss Museum of Transport, can be accessed by bus, train, or boat. The museum has trains, automobiles, ships and aircrafts and communication systems on display in its sprawling campus.

The aviation and space travel section has an amazing display of airplanes, helicopters, rockets, and flight simulators. Step into the space transformer a walk-in cube that rotates about its diagonal axis or glide through the air on a flying bicycle, there are interactive elements through the space.

The navigation section has steamships, submarines, aerial cableways and allows you to explore the underwater world and ascend mountains. Do not miss the oldest preserved side-wheel steamer in the world when here - the paddle steamer Rigi.

The road transport section has everything to do with racing, motorcycles, and cars.

The world of mirrors teaches you road safety with VR Cycles and the special logistics display has automated warehouses and interactive experiences.

The rail transport section has locomotives, crane simulator, Gotthard Base Tunnel, and a forward-looking exhibition of the Swiss Federal Railways.

When in Switzerland, also check out the Guinness World Record holder for the longest passenger train: Rhaetian Railway Company's 1.9-kilometer-long train with 100 coaches that operates on the scenic Albula/Bernina route from Preda to Bergün which is also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

Boats at Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne (Photo by Bindu Gopal Rao)

Heritage Transport Museum Manesar, Gurgaon

An ode to all things related to Indian transport, the Heritage Transport Museum is the results of two decades of intensive research. Spread over 90,000 square feet over four levels, the space has sections for Automobile Gallery, Pre-mechanised Transportation, Heavy Mechanised Transportation, Railways, Aviation, Rural Transportation, Two-Wheelers Collectible, India Toys on Transport, Historical Collections, Maritime Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, and Tribal Art.

The museum also has several exhibitions throughout the year.

At the railways section, do not miss the 1930s restored railway saloon from BBCI Railway as well as the restored chrome yellow 1940s Piper J3C Cub aircraft in the aviation section.