DISHA MATREJA
Ms. Neelima Hasija
disha_m@nid.edu
This graduation project explores the design and development of souvenirs for railway museums across India, undertaken in collaboration with the Railway Design Centre at NID. Rooted in the cultural, emotional, and historical significance of Indian Railways, the project reimagines souvenirs as storytelling objects rather than decorative tokens. Research included visits to railway museums in Delhi, Howrah, Mysuru, and Nagpur, along with interactions with craftspeople, passengers, and museum visitors to understand audience expectations and the existing souvenir ecosystem. Online studies further revealed gaps in the representation of railway heritage through design. Two narrative directions were identified: Life Around Railways, encompassing journeys, communities, food culture, and cinema, and Railway Heritage, focusing on stations, architecture, routes, and symbolism. These themes informed ideation and prototyping. The final outcomes emphasize affordability, portability, durability, and emotional resonance, positioning souvenirs as meaningful cultural connectors suited for museum retail and digital platforms while celebrating India’s railway legacy.