Central Railway has announced that the Neral-Matheran toy train services will resume after October 15. This will be following after crucial repairs and improvements aimed at reducing monsoon-related disruptions. The 21-km narrow-gauge hill corridor, often is closed during heavy rains due to soil erosion and flooding. Now, it is set to undergo significant upgrades to ensure safer and more reliable operations in the coming years.
For the first time, Central Railway has identified key areas along the route prone to water damage and initiated plans to build water channels and small dams. The work has already commenced, with engineers clearing soil deposits on the tracks and reinforcing water drainage systems. According to railway officials, existing pipe bridges will be replaced with robust RCC (reinforced cement concrete) boxes. Abutment slabs will be used to facilitate smooth water flow and prevent erosion.
“Every monsoon, the tracks are damaged by soil erosion and dislodged boulders, causing frequent suspensions of toy train services,” said a Central Railway official. “This year, we are implementing long-term solutions by replacing small pipes with concrete boxes and strengthening the slopes and bridge walls.”
In total, 19 bridges have been identified for structural improvements. In addition, anti-crash barriers, which were installed to prevent train derailments, will be repaired. They will be coated with anti-corrosive paint to extend their lifespan. This is part of the broader initiative to enhance safety measures on this sensitive route, which has seen incidents of derailments in the past.
The ongoing work, which will cost approximately ₹5 crore, is expected to take 12 months to complete. Tenders will soon be floated to appoint contractors for the project. Meanwhile, engineers are using heavy machinery, including JCBs, to remove debris from the tracks. Over the years, Central Railway has implemented various upgrades, such as replacing wooden sleepers with concrete ones and building fencing walls along vulnerable stretches of the route.
Earlier this monsoon, the Neral-Aman Lodge section of the toy train service was suspended from June to October due to heavy rainfall. Once the current improvements are completed, officials expect the number of rain-related suspensions to significantly decrease, allowing for more consistent year-round operations.
The iconic Neral-Matheran toy train, a favorite among tourists, offers scenic views of the Western Ghats and is a vital link between the two towns. The resumption of services after October 15 is expected to bring relief to commuters and tourists alike.
