Ludhiana: Commuters at the local railway station will soon step back in time as part of a week-long celebration marking World Heritage Day, featuring an 80-year-old road roller that stands as a testament to the city’s industrial history.The Ferozepur division of the railways has launched a series of commemorative events running from April 17 to 23. The festivities aim to foster a deeper connection between the public and the intricate, century-spanning legacy of the rail network.A Relic of the RajThe centerpiece of the Ludhiana exhibit is a diesel-driven road roller manufactured in England in 1945. Arriving in India just before independence in 1946, the machine served the railways for four decades before its final operation in 1986. On April 20, the vintage roller will be specially illuminated and placed on public display. Railway officials have spent the opening days of the festival cleaning and beautifying the machine to ensure it serves as an educational tool for younger generations.Division-Wide CelebrationsThe heritage program extends beyond Ludhiana, with several initiatives across the division. In Amritsar, the Heritage Gallery has been opened to the public, offering a curated look at the evolution of rail travel in the region. In Ferozepur, an essay-writing competition on heritage conservation is being held at the divisional railway manager’s (DRM) office, alongside the preservation of a heritage locomotive. Educational talks focused on the 2026 theme, “Emergency Response for Living Heritage in the Context of Conflicts and Disasters,” are being held at Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Ferozepur Cantonment.Preserving the Living PastIn line with directives from the Railway Board, the division is using special lighting to highlight the architectural and historical beauty of various stations. “The goal is to preserve our rich legacy and spread awareness,” a railway official said. “By showcasing these assets — from coaches to locomotives — we ensure the architectural beauty of the railways remains understood and effectively preserved.”
