RailEnquiry

The need for exploiting the full potential of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) –a World Heritage Site, has been underscored by the Heritage Steam Chariot (HSC) Trust.In a memorandum submitted to the Southern Railway, the founder trustee of the HSC trust K. Natarajan pointed out that there is immense scope for improving the mountain line. The NMR should be treated as an independent line and run by a Special Officer. Stating that the number of coaches should be increased, he said that it will help cope with the summer rush. Since the tremendous demand for seats disappoints many tourists during the season, a Summer Special should be run between April 15 and June 15.If night services are introduced particularly during weekends they would be welcomed by all sections of the society.People and institutions should be encouraged to charter trains. The concept of footplate journey should be introduced in the Ooty station. More persons should be employed to maintain the NMR.A steam engine workshop should be opened in Mettupalayam or Coonoor. Runnymede station below Coonoor should be made a halt station. Help desks should be opened in the main stations.

Efforts should be made to reduce the loss incurred by the NMR. Steps should be taken to attract film makers and vacant space used for generating funds. A rail museum should be established in Ooty.