Fairy Queen: The World’s Oldest Working Steam Locomotive Still in Service

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Official Name: East Indian Railway No. 22, popularly known as the Fairy Queen

Built: 1855, by Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson in Leeds, England

Initial Service: Started running in 1855, operating in the East Indian Railway network

Retired: Taken out of service in 1908

Restored: In 1997 by Perambur Loco Works in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Guinness World Record: In 1998, it was officially recognized as the world’s oldest steam locomotive in working condition

Heritage Run Resumed: The Fairy Queen began operating again as a heritage train in July 1997 (not 1977) on the Delhi–Alwar route in Rajasthan

Operated by Indian Railways as part of rail heritage tourism

Route: Delhi → Alwar, especially during tourist seasons (typically October–March)

Usage: Runs occasionally for tourists, steam heritage lovers, and special events

It is the oldest functional steam locomotive in the world still in working order

Offers a unique 19th-century train travel experience with vintage-style coaches

Serves as a symbol of India’s rich railway heritage

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