Neral-Matheran train service suspended during monsoon, service between Aman Lodge and Matheran to continue this year

Central Railway has announced the suspension of ‘The Neral-Matheran Light Railway’ train services between Neral and Matheran from 8 June to 15 October for safety reasons.

Passenger services between the Neral-Aman Lodge section of Neral-Matheran narrow gauge ‘toy train’, popular with tourists, will remain suspended for four months in view of the monsoon as a precautionary measure against landslides and rockfalls, the Central Railway (CR) said on Friday.

However, Central Railway said that they will operate regular shuttle services between Matheran and Aman Lodge, located close to Dasturi point, beyond which motorized vehicles except ambulances, are not permitted on the hill station located 100 km from Mumbai, said the release, reported PTI.

Six Up and Down shuttle services each of the heritage narrow gauge train, which is more than 100 years old, will be operated between Matheran and Aman Lodge from Monday to Friday. Eight services each will be run on the stretch on Saturday and Sunday, it said, reported PTI.

The narrow gauge line traverses through the picturesque ghat section of Matheran, a popular holiday destination and weekend getaway for tourists, especially those from Mumbai and Pune.

The Neral-Matheran Light Railway, which is among the few heritage mountain railways in India, has completed 116 years. The toy train service on the narrow gauge line pulled by a steam engine commenced in 1907.

The Neral-Matheran railway’s construction started in 1904 and the two-foot gauge line opened to traffic in 1907.