Joshis Museum Of Miniature Railways, Pune - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts
India | Maharashtra | Pune
#30 of 62 Places to Visit in Pune
Distance (From Pune Railway Station): 7 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 7 km from Pune Junction, Joshi's Museum of Miniature Railway is a miniature railway museum located in the Kothrud locality of Pune. It is one of the must-include places in Pune luxury packages.
Joshi's Museum of Miniature Railway was conceptualized and started by B. S. Joshi, popularly known as Bhau Saheb Joshi in 1998. His journey began in the 1960s, fueled by a childhood passion for collecting and creating models. Initially, he produced mobile working models, which he showcased in various cities for public enjoyment. After exhibiting in Pune and Bombay, he concluded that maintaining a mobile layout was overly labor-intensive and costly. This realization prompted him to create a permanent Museum of Miniature Railways, culminating in its opening in 1998.
The museum, which represents Mr. Joshi's private collection, is located in a dedicated hall within Soudamini Instruments, a factory founded by Mr. Joshi in 1962. Its mission is to promote railway modeling as a hobby among the youth, encouraging them to delve into the realms of science and engineering. The museum features scale models of locomotives and railway systems that are not only static but can also be operated manually or via computer.
The displayed model trains traverse a miniature city and are accompanied by a sound and light show. The layout incorporates 65 signals, fences, lamp posts, flyovers, and more, all of which can be controlled both manually and through a computer interface. As of 2011, the museum showcased working models of 10 to 15 different types of trains, including steam engines, bullet trains, and a mini sky-train. In 2003, the museum introduced a miniature railway that interacts with other equipment to simulate train movements. Additionally, the museum operates its own manufacturing unit, selling miniature railway kits on-site and supplying models to Switzerland, Australia, and the Indian Railways.
Timings: 9.30 AM - 5 PM from Mon - Sat, & 5 PM - 8 PM on Sundays
Entry: Rs. 90 per Person