Neral To Matheran Toy Train Service Suspended: Will It Return After October?

The Central Railway (CR) has decided to undertake major repair and safety measures on the Neral-Matheran toy train corridor, a popular tourist attraction in Maharashtra. This narrow-gauge train, which offers a scenic ride through the hills and is often compared to Darjeeling's toy train, faces significant challenges every monsoon. Heavy rains cause soil erosion and flooding, making the tracks unsafe for travel.

As a precautionary measure, CR has suspended passenger services on the Neral-Aman Lodge section from June 8 to October 15. The service is expected to resume after this period, once safety concerns are addressed. During the monsoon, rainwater often washes away the ballasts (crushed stones used to hold the track in place), erodes the soil, and damages the rail lines, which are already vulnerable due to their narrow size. To prevent this from recurring, CR is carrying out extensive works to ensure smoother and safer operations in the future.

To address the issue of water accumulation, CR plans to replace the smaller pipe bridges on the route with reinforced cement concrete (RCC) boxes and slabs. These upgrades will create better channels for rainwater, allowing it to flow down the hillside without damaging the tracks. At least 19 bridges have been identified for replacement, and additional work will be carried out to strengthen the banks and slopes near the tracks. The walls of several bridges along the route will also undergo repairs.

The safety barriers installed along the tracks to prevent derailments will also be refurbished. These barriers, which have been corroded over time, will be repaired and coated with anti-corrosive paint to extend their lifespan.

The entire project is expected to cost around Rs 5 crore and will take approximately 12 months to complete. The process of issuing tenders and awarding contracts is currently underway, ensuring that the work begins as soon as possible. CR is committed to restoring the toy train service on this picturesque 21-kilometre route while ensuring the safety of passengers and the integrity of the railway infrastructure.