Rescued Relic: The Dramatic Revival of Patna's British-Era Steamroller

A British-era steamroller, rescued from dilapidation at Patna Museum, has undergone basic restoration by the road construction department. This century-old machine, once neglected and decaying, now gleams with a fresh coat of paint and has found a new home, delighting heritage enthusiasts and transport experts alike.

In a dramatic turn of events, a British-era steamroller, previously languishing at Patna Museum, has been salvaged and restored by the road construction authorities, ending its 18-month ordeal of neglect.

Manufactured by John Fowler and Co in Leeds, England, this century-old roadroller was once a prized possession of the Patna district board. It was donated to the museum following the demolition of historical structures during the Patna Collectorate redevelopment project in 2022.

Despite initial enthusiasm from museum officials, the steamroller fell into a state of disrepair, overgrown with vegetation and corroded by monsoon rains. However, it has now been given a new lease of life and stands as a testament to early road construction history, much to the delight of heritage lovers and transport experts.