The 158-year old chugging beauty, EIR 21, was the pride of the Railways ever since it was restored at Perumbur Loco Works and put on tracks in 2010. But, on its 6th dream run, the world’s oldest working steam loco gave passengers and officials tense moments as it came to a halt near Chetpet station, shortly after it was flagged off from Egmore.

Much to the dismay of travellers and officials, the train refused to budge for over half an hour. “There was a leak in a steam pipe joint that brought the train to a stop. Since it is a very old train, such issues are expected,“ said one of the senior staff. The water level in the boiler had reportedly gone down, preventing the production of steam, said a staff of the Perumbur Loco Works.

Finally, much to the relief of Railway officials, the train revived. “Senior officials announced an award of Rs 30,000 for the engineers and technicians who revived the train,” said the staff.

The Railway denied allegations that the train had been pulled by a diesel train after it broke down in Chetpet.“The diesel train is always kept as a stand-by in case of an emergency. But today, the train was revived immediately and the journey continued,” said a Railway spokesperson.

The train, built in 1855, was brought to India from Leeds, UK, where it was built. According to Railway archives, the train was used by the East India Company to transport troops from Howrah to Raniganj to quell the 1857 freedom struggle. After serving for over over 55 years; it was withdrawn from service in 1909. For over a hundred years, it lay at the Jamalpur workshops and Howrah station as an exhibit, where it was exposed to the elements. The damaged and corroded engine reached Perumbur Loco Works, where it was finally restored and put back on tracks.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / August 16th, 2013