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After being closed for five months, the famous toy train between Neral and Matheran in Maharashtra is running again. The 21-kilometre route, known for its scenic views of the Western Ghats, had been stopped in early June as a safety measure during the heavy monsoon season. During this period, only the short Aman Lodge–Dasturi Point shuttle near Matheran was operating to help visitors and locals reach the hill station. Located in the Western Ghats, Matheran is one of India’s smallest and most beautiful hill stations. It is known for its old colonial buildings, green forests, and clean, vehicle-free environment that attracts tourists all year round. Because of its steep slopes and heavy rainfall, the area often faces landslides, soil erosion, and track damage, making it unsafe for trains to run during the monsoon. Each year, Indian Railways halts the service in the rainy season to keep passengers safe. During the break, engineers carry out track inspections, repair embankments, and strengthen slopes to prevent accidents. Once the rains end and the land becomes stable, the trains start running again, connecting the hill station with the plains. The heritage Neral–Matheran railway, which was initially launched in 1907, is regarded as an example of the engineering skills of those times. The little train with its old-style coaches goes through the woods, abrupt turns, and hills covered with fog, giving the passengers an attractive and old-fashioned kind of experience. Because of its beautiful journey, it is attracting both Indian and foreign tourists. The people living in the town and the proprietors of the business are delighted with the resumption of the service, as tourism is the main source of income in Matheran. Hotels, guides, and local vendors are full of hope that more visitors will come now, especially with the festive and winter travel season getting started. Railway officials said that they would keep safety as their highest concern and that they would be regularly checking for smooth operations. The comeback of the Matheran toy train is not only the revival of a beloved heritage route but also the indication of the ongoing efforts to conserve the historic railways of India, and at the same time ensure the safety of the passengers. Ticket pricesYou can buy tickets offline at Neral, Aman Lodge or Matheran stations. Here are the prices: First class: Adults - Rs. 300, Children - Rs. 180Second class: Adults - Rs. 75, Children - Rs. 45 Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
