Nilgiri Mountain Railway Completes 125 Years: Embark on an Enchanting Visual Journey
As the Nilgiri Mountain Railway completes 125 years, we embark on a visual journey through the mesmerizing hills and dales, sunshine dodging mist, and the melodious nostalgia of the engine’s whistle. This iconic railway, fondly known as the Ooty toy train, first chugged up the hills on June 15, 1899, and continues to be a cherished part of India’s heritage.
A Historic Ride
The adventure begins at Mettupalayam Railway Station at dawn, where passengers eagerly anticipate the scenic journey ahead. Covering 16 tunnels, over 200 steep curves, and 257 bridges, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers an experience unlike any other. As the rhythmic chugging, hissing, and whistle blowing echoes across the valley, passengers are treated to sights of lush greenery, colorful blooms, and cloud-kissed mountains.
The train passes through quaint towns like Adderly, Runnymede, Ketti, and Lovedale, with passengers glued to the windows, capturing every moment. This heritage train, now celebrating its quasquicentennial milestone, also marks the start of its 20th year as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Engineering Marvel
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is an outstanding example of a hill passenger railway. Opened in 1899, it was a bold and ingenious engineering initiative to establish a rail link across a mountainous terrain of great beauty. Specially designed X Class steam locomotives, originally imported from Switzerland and now manufactured at Golden Rock Workshop, Tiruchi, haul the train between Mettupalayam and Coonoor. The railway has retained much of its original components — stations, semaphore signal systems, locomotives, and rolling stock — making it a rare system of heritage value that is still operational.
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Museums and Heritage
Two museums, the NMR museum at Mettupalayam and a heritage museum at Udhagamandalam, offer a peek into the history of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This railway is also India’s only rack and pinion railway, with a fleet of 27 coaches available for running passenger train services. During the rainy season, there is a fear of boulders rolling down from the hills and blocking the railway track, an outcome of disturbances to the ecology with unplanned constructions. Ensuring the safety and preservation of this historic railway is a coordinated effort between the Railways, district administration, and the State Government.
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A Dreamlike Journey
The first plans to build a mountain railway line from Mettupalayam to the Nilgiris were made in 1854. However, it wasn’t until the Nilgiri Railway Company constructed the railway between 1886 and 1899 that this dream was realized. In January 1903, the government purchased the railway, and construction between Coonoor and Udhagamandalam was completed in 1908.
Passengers from across India and around the world come to experience this historic ride. Many book their tickets months in advance to ensure a spot on the train, while others make the journey by car if they cannot secure a seat. The views from the train, as it chugs past misty hills, are unforgettable, leaving passengers with memories that last a lifetime.
As the Nilgiri Mountain Railway completes 125 years, it continues to be a beloved journey for many. With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, this iconic railway promises to enchant travelers for generations to come.
