Riding through the eras

Chasing The Wheels Of Innovation
- From Horses To Horsepower

Arnav Goel, XII B & Chhavi Gupta, X C, AIS Gurugram 43

Away from the hubbub of Delhi/NCR, in a modest yet picturesque borough surrounded by the Aravallis, Tauru as they call it, lies a treasure trove of history and nostalgia - the Heritage Transport Museum. As you enter the complex, an authentic Kolkata tram and a Christmas tree-shaped traffic light greet you to take you on a captivating journey through the history of human transportation as it evolved and continues to evolve still. Hop on as we drive you through the same…

Unveiling the wheels
A brainchild of Tarun Thakral, the founder and managing trustee, the Heritage Transport Museum officially opened its doors to the public on December 7, 2013. “The idea to create a museum that showcased our transport heritage came to him when he saw his friends in France passionately collect objects that interested them,” surmised Ragini Bhat, the museum curator. Howbeit, what sets this museum apart is its layout, centered on the theme of industrial heritage. From an exhibit on the evolution of wheels to diverse forms of pre-mechanised transport; from tribal art to F1 cars, the museum offers it all.

Balancing wheels and wisdom
The museum also serves as a valuable resource centre for those studying the history of transport. With educational programmes, immersive exhibits, audio tours, and activities tailored for different age groups, it strives to strike a delicate balance between education and entertainment. “Kids can experience a rickshaw ride on The Great Wall of China through the simulator, corporates can drive the unique octopus cycle seating seven people, or one can simply paint cars like the Mercedes Ponton – with us, the possibilities are endless.” Ragini stated.

Navigating accessibility
Despite the engaging displays and noble visions, challenges, however, arise in terms of accessibility, as the museum is located outside the main city. Operational costs also present a hurdle. A key aspect of keeping the museum’s exhibits in pristine condition is maintenance; though a dedicated team ensures the same with regular cleaning, dusting, and lubrication of vehicles, funds become an absolute necessity. “Even more so when the museum is a self-sustaining body, and is run by a trust, the Heritage Transportation Trust as we call it. All the revenue that we generate, thus, comes from the ticket sales, souvenir sales, activities et al only,” Ragini elaborated.

Forging bonds through cars
As we then dwelt on its reception so far, Ragini added, “The excitement that Shah Rukh Khan’s car from the movie ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’ generates or the sentiments that the presence of vehicles like Ambassador or scooters such as Vespas and Lambrettas from the 1960s and 70s evoke, all point towards the museum’s ability to resonate with people from diverse age groups; exactly what we wanted it to do in the first place.” A pop-up suggestion - As you stare in awe at the various exhibits of vintage cars, maritime transport, or postage stamps from different countries, be sure to look up and see a restored 1940s Piper J3C Cub aircraft in its signature chrome yellow. They also have a Contessa Classic covered with coins at the premises - all of this and more in just 400 INR per adult and 200 INR for children.

Beyond its collection of vehicles, the Heritage Transport Museum weaves a narrative that connects generations and fosters a newfound appreciation for the wheels that have driven humanity forward. So, the next time you find yourself anywhere near Tauru, Haryana, make sure you visit the place and spare yourself the regret.