Udhagamandalam: The short round trip mountain train service between Ooty and Ketti, which is on offer every Fridays and Saturdays for a while, has been extended for the third day on Sunday, thanks to the overwhelming response from the tourists. Packed to its full seating capacity, the mountain train chugged along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) on all the three days.
The trip was introduced to mainly help both the domestic and foreign tourists, who visit the hill retreat, enjoy a ride in the heritage train without having to spend much time on it.
The train was introduced on June 2 with one first and second class combo coach and a second class coach, with a total seating capacity of 86. While first class ticket is priced at Rs 400, second class ticket will cost one Rs 300.
“This Friday and Saturday, we removed the combo coach and instead the train had a first class coach with a seating capacity of 40, a second class coach with 57 seats and another small second class coach with 30 seats. The trips saw full patronage on all the two days,” U Subbarao, divisional railway manager, Salem division, told TOI.
“As the response was overwhelming, we extended the service on Sunday too, but without the small second class coach. The service saw full capacity of passengers,” he added.
The trip, which was launched on a trial basis until the first week of July, could be extended if it maintains the patronage, Subbarao said.
Asked whether it could be a regular service during the tourist season, he replied in the affirmative. “During the summer season, the special service will be made regular for a month. We will also consider making it regular in September and October, when it is autumn season in the hills.”
When this correspondent pointed out that paper cups and plates were being used to serve snacks at Ketti railway station, Subbarao said, “It has not been brought to my knowledge that paper cups and plates were banned in Nilgiris. We will instruct the staff accordingly.”