Toy train to Matheran
RAMESH SETH
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A ride you are sure to enjoy. A two-hour journey through beautiful countryside.
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The Neral Matheran Railway is unique, for three reasons. One, it was constructed and funded entirely by an Indian family,
Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy and his son. They were the first Indians to build a railroad, that too 100 years ago. Second, its track is only two feet wide.
All other hill rail tracks in India are two feet six inches wide. And finally, its gradient is stiff 1:20 versus 1:33 in case of Kalka Shimla rail track. of 20 km per hour on the toy train.
Scenic journey
Matheran is a hill station near Mumbai, situated at a height of 800 m. The train to Matheran starts from Neral station. The train track from Neral to Matheran is only 20 km but, the train journey takes over two hours. The gradient is steep and then there is a speed limit.
The scenery is beautiful and the journey leisurely. On the way the train has to stop at a few places to cool the engine. Wheezing and puffing, the toy train chugs up the hills and dales to reach Matheran, a picturesque, unspoilt hill station.
There is one very short tunnel named “One Kiss Tunnel”. It is indeed so short.
The entire route is noted for its unbelievable curves and the first sharp curve is marked by a large notice which says: “Oops ! What a curve!” It has a 45-foot radius. Therefore while pulling the train uphill the engine gets hot. So the train has to halt often to cool the engine.
In 2005 the heavy rain washed away a portion of the rail track thereby suspending the service for two years. It restarted on April 15, 2007, on its Centenary day.
The train was commissioned on April 15, 1907, and is one of the few wholly Indian owned train tracks during the British Raj. This is a story of grit and determination of the Peerbhoy family. The 20 km. long track was laid in 18 months. Built by local labour the total cost came to Rs.16 lakhs paid by Peerbhoys. However, from the beginning the train was very popular with the public. Peerbhoys’ gamble paid off handsomely. And 100 years later it continues to yield profits for the family!
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