CHENNAI: A coach made by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) now sports a vibrant look, thanks to the handiwork of artists. After nearly three days of work, a team of students from JBAS College for Women and freelance artist Asma Menon have painted the broad gauge coach and infused design to it. The coach is part of the attractions at Chennai Railway Museum on New Avadi Road. But more significantly, it will soon be converted into a restaurant thereby providing a unique experience for those who would like to have a quick bite.
The painting was done as part of ‘August Collective’, an art and sculpture camp, organised at the museum. Officials say the camp — fourth in the series — was held to promote public art in railways. The state tourism secretary, Apurva Varma, ICF General Manager Sudhanshu Mani and other ICF officials took part in the closing ceremony of the camp, held this weekend.
As many as three sculptures, made from metal scrap, and canvas paintings by artists, were added to the museum. “These art camps are part of long term restoration effort. It adds a bit of colour to the place. We have plans to have a restaurant in the freshly painted railway coach,” museum curator Arun Devaraj said.
Opened in March 2002 by then Union Railway Minister Nitish Kumar, there are 41 outdoor exhibits, including a hand-operated travelling crane with truck (1887). There are also more than 150 vintage photographs displayed at the museum. Due to several recent visitor friendly initiatives, the museum receives 7,000 visitors on an average per month.