The Indian Steam Railway Society recently organised the 9th National Steam Congress at the National Rail Museum in the National Capital.

This annual event of the Steam Society brings on a common platform steam enthusiasts from India and abroad with an objective of limited revival and preservation of steam locomotives in the country for posterity besides generating public affection for these black beauties that heralded the industrial revolution in the world.

The historic run of the Fairy Queen on October 17, 1997 that culminated in setting a Guinness World Record brought national focus on steam locomotives. Rewari Steam that was subsequently set up as a steam centre for preserving live steam for posterity has, in the last two years, undergone a metamorphosis almost akin to a crow turning into a swan. A dilapidated structure with decaying engines has with a lot of hard work, commitment, focus and vision transformed into the finest steam locomotive shed of the world and also the finest steam heritage tourism destination in the world. This congress was organised in the backdrop of the historic metamorphosis of the Rewari Steam Shed.

Sir Mark Tully delivered the key note address during this Congress while Paul Whittle, vice chairman, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society (UK) made a presentation on the steam scenario in the United Kingdom. A presentation by the Indian Steam Railway Society on the recent Resurrection of Steam Locomotives at the Rewari Steam Centre was given and an MoU signed between the Indian Steam Railway Society and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society (UK).