New Delhi, January 15: With just 10 days to go for the Republic Day, the Railway Ministry is yet to finalise its tableau for the parade. Though the replica of the 1974 steam engine model ”Shahanshah” has got the Defence Ministry”s clearance, railways want to add another replica of Duronto Express coach to their tableau.
However, the Duronto Express model is yet to get the Defence Ministry”s clearance. The final selection of the tableau is done three months before the R-Day by a panel constituted by the Defence Ministry.
“We are hopeful of getting the clearance for Duronto coach within a day or two,” a senior Railway Ministry official said. Duronto Express, a non-stop superfast express, was launched by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee with much fanfare last year.
Duronto coaches have their unique colour code which is a mix of green and yellow. “Railways want to showcase the Duronto train on this occasion but subject to clearance of the selection committee,” the official said.
Shahanshah is one of the prized possessions of Railways. The steam locomotive was one of the several prototypes received from the United States before regular production of such locos was started at the Chitaranjan Locomotive Works after India got Independence.
—Agencies