With its upgradation work complete, the Neral-Matheran toy train is expected to be back on the tracks by December. The Central Railway (CR) has spent around Rs 8 crore to upgrade the toy train services. The train would now come with anti-crash barriers, fresh ballast and new air brakes (in place of manual brakes).
The toy train’s operation was suspended in May this year following two incidents of derailments. The CR had faced a lot of flak after the incidents. Subsequently, Union minister Suresh Prabhu had asked the railway officials to resolve the issue.
As a solution to avoid derailments, the railway authorities retro-fitted air brakes in the 25 coaches of the train. “The air brakes would ensure safety. The anti-crash barriers and ballast are the back up safety features,” said an official.
An official on condition of anonymity said, “The Rs 8 crore fund was for the new ballast and anti-crash barriers. The retro-fitting of these brakes costed extra, but it was not much as it was already a part of our fleet instead of procuring new rolling stock.”
The train would become operational again by the end of the year following the completion of a few formalities and a trail run. Divisional railway manager, CR, Ravindra Goyal said, “The brakes have been fitted in 25 coaches. We are awaiting the safety certificate from the commissioner of railway safety. We had written a letter to the commissioner informing him of the development. However, majority of our work has been completed.”
An informal discussion to start the train between Aman Lodge and Matheran is also ongoing as there is a road for people to access between Neral and Aman Lodge
