Matheran-Neral toy train: Starting operation on remaining section will take time, say CR officials

Services on a 3 km stretch, between Matheran and Aman Lodge stations, resumed last month. (Express photo: Deepak Joshi)

A week after the heritage Matheran-Neral toy train started operations partially, senior officials from the Central Railway (CR) were mulling over the possibilities of making the remaining section of the toy train route operational soon. As per officials, certain technical details of the tracks are delaying the services from being resumed.

Officials of the CR opened a 3-kilometre stretch between Matheran and Aman Lodge stations last Monday. While trials are underway in the remaining section, officials claim re-starting the section soon could pose a problem.

“We are unsure about the remaining section of the tracks. There is a difficult curve in the section, which could prove to be a bigger challenge when we start this train,” said a senior CR official.

The services of the toy train were suspended after twin derailments of the train in the section between Aman Lodge and Neral stations in May last year.

However, officials maintained that the train had derailed many times before and the issue would be addressed within a short span of time.

“Much of the money and efforts were invested before starting this train. As many as five additional locomotives fitted with air brakes are being manufactured…,” an official said.

In winters, tracks tend to contract due to extreme cold weather in the hilly regions. Starting the train in winters seem difficult, said an official. “Though trials will be on, starting train on this section during winters may be difficult due to difficult track conditions. Work on adding safety net grills in the section is on,” the official added. The toy train is particularly important as it attracts tourists to the area.

Residents of the region had wished to start the train on the complete section at the earliest. Officials added that services between Aman Lodge and Matheran stations are running at full capacity. The maximum fare for an adult commuter in the train is Rs 300 for the first class and Rs 45 for the second class.