“These stations will soon get a makeover as they would be provided with enhanced passenger amenities such as a station building, circulating area, garden, platforms and roads. Heritage NMR museums are already drawing visitors to Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam,” said a railway official.

Upgradation of a station is usually taken up based on revenue generation, however, the railways have decided to improve facilities in Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Mettupalayam based on their heritage nature.

Wi-fi facility has already been provided at the three railway stations. “It has also been proposed to give a face-lift to all the railway stations in NMR with better landscaping. Benches and viewpoints will also be provided,” said the official.

There is also a proposal to open ‘Coachteria’, a restaurant in the railway coach at Udagamandalam. Catering stalls are also on the cards at Udhagamandalam and Hillgrove railway stations.

For the convenience of tourists, the steam loco of NMR will be extended till Ooty. Until now, it was running only till Coonoor. For this purpose, two additional steam locomotives and 15 coaches are being constructed at the Integral Coach Factory. Round trips for the tourists visiting Coonoor is to be introduced between Coonoor and Runnymede.

Also, souvenir outlets will be started at Ooty and Coonoor so that tourists can carry the memories of their travel experiences in NMR. “The railways have been presently scouting for different souvenir designs and suppliers for this purpose. A theme-based coffee shop is also on the cards at Ooty station where an old X-class steam loco is on display on a pedestal.” The railways have also announced that chartered services will be offered by a coal-fired steam locomotive train between Mettupalayam and Coonoor for interested corporates and tour operators.

Currently, the rail aficionados from all over the world cherish the dream of travelling in this ages-old train, as its coaches have been refurbished to enhance passenger comfort.

“Tourists will be given a better ambience in the coaches, which have been enhanced with facilities, similar to that of the UDAY AC double-decker, like themed vinyl wrappings, chairs with reclining feature, LED illumination, two-floor luggage racks, and decorative vinyl stickers on the exteriors symbolising the charm of NMR,” said the official.