Coonoor-Runnymede joy ride extended for 5 days

Udhagamandalam: The Salem railway division has extended the round-trip joy ride between Coonoor and Runnymede for another five days from June 3 to 5. A decision in this regard was taken considering the large number of tourists still thronging the hill retreat who are eager to take a ride on the heritage steam train that chugs along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR).
The round-trip joy ride between Coonoor and Runnymede was introduced last week. A break of an hour at Runnymede station, which has been renovated, during the trip allows the tourists to visit the Kattery government botanical garden located close by.
With a seating capacity of 58, including 28 in the first class, the train would depart Coonoor station 11.30 am. While a first class ticket costs Rs450, second class ticket is priced at Rs320, both inclusive of value-added pack.
According to Salem division railway officials, the Coonoor- Runnemede round-trip has evoked an huge response from the tourists. “We are extending the ride because of the huge demand.”