Nilgiri toy train service suspended till Nov 16 as heavy rain leads to landslides
Despite challenging weather and terrain, railway personnel are actively involved in restoration work to clear the tracks and resume traffic
The Mettuppalayam-Udhagamandalam toy train service has been suspended until November 16 after heavy rains lashed the Nilgiris on Friday (November 10), leading to landslides along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line (NMR) between Kallar and Coonoor railway stations.
The adverse weather has caused landslides, uprooted trees, and washed away ballast and soil near Kallar, preventing train operations between Mettupalayam and Coonoor. Despite challenging weather and terrain, railway personnel are actively involved in restoration work to clear the tracks and resume traffic.
However, the weather forecast predicts continued heavy rain in the Nilgiris district. Consequently, the Mettupalayam-Udagamandalam train service (Train Nos. 06136/06137) will remain suspended until November 16. Additionally, various train services between Udhagamandalam and Coonoor, including Train Nos. 06141, 06143, 06138, 06139, 06142, and 06140, will remain suspended until November 13.
Steeped in history
The initiation of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway system commenced with the opening of the first branch line between Podanur and Mettupalayam in 1873.
Serving as the foothill point, Mettupalayam marked the starting point for this rail network. The initial 42-km branch line was later extended to Coonoor. The development work on the stretch between Mettupalayam and Coonoor was completed in 1899, officially becoming operational on June 15 under the management of the Madras Railway.
The first commercial rail services between Udagamandalam (Ooty) and Mettupalayam took place in 1908. Covering a scenic 46.61 km route between Mettupalayam and Ooty, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway features nine stations: Mettupalayam, Kallar, Coonoor, Hillgrove, Aruvangadu, Wellington, Ketti, Lovedale, and Udagamandalam (Ooty).
The entire rail line traverses the diverse landscapes of the state, incorporating approximately 208 curves, 250 bridges, 16 tunnels, and 15 Road Over Bridges or Road Under Bridges (ROB/RUBs). Acknowledging its cultural and historical significance, UNESCO granted World Heritage Status to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway on July 15, 2005.