Deccan Queen Celebrates 93rd Anniversary as Iconic Intercity Express
Deccan Queen, one of the pioneering super-fast intercity express trains of the GIP Railway (predecessor of Central Railway), marked its inaugural journey today between Mumbai and Pune. Commencing its service with two rakes of seven coaches each, the Deccan Queen was introduced as a weekend train, catering to affluent passengers seeking to attend horse racing at Pune Race Course.
The train’s distinctive charm was evident from the very beginning, with one coach sporting an elegant silver exterior adorned with scarlet moldings, while the others showcased royal blue hues with gold lines. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the underframes of the coaches were constructed in England, while the coach bodies were meticulously assembled at the Matunga Workshop of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway.
Initially offering first and second-class seating, the train underwent modifications over the years. On January 1, 1949, the first-class compartments were replaced by redesigned second-class accommodations. Later, in June 1955, the introduction of third-class seating further expanded accessibility. The coaches themselves underwent a significant upgrade in 1966 when they were replaced with anti-telescopic, steel-bodied integral coaches manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Perambur, Chennai. With this change, the train’s length increased to twelve coaches. Notably, in April 1974, the third-class seating was re-designated as second-class seating, adding to the train’s versatility.
Throughout its storied history, the Deccan Queen has garnered immense popularity among railway enthusiasts. Each year on June 1, loyal pass-holders, railfans, and railway authorities come together to celebrate the train’s birthday. Recently, on June 1, 2019, the Deccan Queen proudly entered its 90th year of uninterrupted service, an impressive milestone highlighting its enduring legacy.
Moreover, the Central Railways made a significant announcement on August 19, 2020, unveiling plans to introduce brand new LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches for the Deccan Queen. Alongside the coach upgrade, the train received a visually striking and culturally significant “Green-Brown-Yellow” curvilinear stripe livery. Developed through extensive consultations with commuters and design engineers, the distinctive new appearance features a dark green main background, complemented by brown and yellow curvilinear stripes that span two-thirds of the coach’s length. This contemporary GenZ look is certain to turn heads and raise eyebrows. Additionally, the selection of a dark green color scheme ensures that the train’s aesthetics remain unaffected even during the Indian Monsoon season.
To enhance its performance, the Deccan Queen now operates with push-pull technology, propelled by state-of-the-art WAP-7 three-phase electric locomotives from Kalyan Electric Loco Shed. These locomotives also sport the new livery, seamlessly harmonizing with the rest of the train. Despite the upgrades, the iconic Dine-in pantry car, known for its exceptional service, has been retained, now assuming a fresh new LHB avatar.
As the Deccan Queen joyfully commemorates its 93rd anniversary, it continues to captivate passengers with its rich heritage, unrivaled comfort, and timeless elegance. This iconic intercity express stands as a testament to the legacy of Indian railways and its ability to evolve while retaining its cherished traditions.
