Neral-Matheran Toy Train: The Neral-Matheran Light Railway, which is among the few heritage mountain railways in India, has completed 116 years. The toy train service on the narrow gauge line pulled by a steam engine commenced in 1907.
Neral-Matheran Toy Train: The popular Neral-Matheran Toy Train which runs on the Neral-Aman Lodge section, will suspend operations for four months starting on June 8 (Saturday) as a precautionary measure in view of the ongoing monsoon season, officials said Friday.
Read More: Who Will Get Home, Finance And Defence Ministry In PM Modi’s New Cabinet? Key Meeting Today
An official statement issued by the Central Railway said passenger services between the Neral-Aman Lodge section of Neral-Matheran narrow gauge ‘toy train’, will remain suspended from June 8 to October 15 for safety reasons.
The over 100-year-old ‘toy’ train, which takes travellers to Matheran, a small, vehicle-free hill station in adjoining Raigad district, traverses through the picturesque ghat section of Matheran, a popular holiday destination and weekend getaway for tourists, especially those from Mumbai and Pune.
Regular shuttles between Matheran-Aman Lodge
The Central Railways will however, operate regular shuttle services between Matheran and Aman Lodge, located close to Dasturi point, beyond which motorised vehicles except ambulances, are not permitted on the hill station located 100 km from Mumbai, it said in the release.
As per the Central Railways’ release, it will operate six Up and Down shuttle services each of the heritage narrow gauge train between Matheran and Aman Lodge from Monday to Friday. Eight services each will be run on the stretch on Saturday and Sunday, it said.
Every year, the Central Railways suspends the operation of the Neral-Matheran toy train, which covers a distance of 21km, during the monsoon period as a precautionary measure because of the danger of landslides.
Read More: RBI Announces New Policies For ₹500 Notes: Here’s What You Need To Know
Neral-Matheran Toy Train
The Neral-Matheran Light Railway, which is among the few heritage mountain railways in India, has completed 116 years. The toy train service on the narrow gauge line pulled by a steam engine commenced in 1907.
The Neral-Matheran railway’s construction started in 1904 and the two-foot gauge line opened to traffic in 1907.
Railways is planning to give a heritage steam engine look to the present diesel-run engine “to revive the glorious past” of the Neral-Matheran narrow gauge train.
(With PTI inputs)
