Neral-Matheran Shuttle Services Witness Surge in Tourist Footfall!
In a remarkable turn of events, the Neral-Matheran Shuttle Services have become a major attraction, drawing in a whopping 3.34 lakh passengers between April and November 2023, generating a revenue of 2.36 Crores for the railways. The month of November alone saw 46,447 passengers, contributing to a revenue of 33.76 lakhs.
Beyond offering a comfortable journey to tourists, these services also facilitate cost-effective and swift transportation of materials. Providing a unique blend of thrill and nature’s beauty, the Toy train ride offers an immersive experience in the tranquility of Matheran’s natural environment.
The Neral to Matheran route, a small gauge line of 2 feet, was constructed in 1907 under the leadership of Lord Elphinstone, the former Governor of Mumbai during the British Raj. Today, the Matheran Train stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting a substantial number of Indian and international visitors each year.
Situated at an altitude of 800 meters, Matheran hill station boasts verdant valleys, cliffs, and waterfalls, creating a picturesque landscape. Located 110 km away from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune rail route, the narrow gauge Matheran toy train offers a spectacular view as it winds its way through the Western Ghats, taking approximately two hours to reach Matheran from Neral.
The history of Matheran dates back to May 1850 when Mr. Hugh Poyntz Malet, the former Collector of Thane, discovered the hill station. Following this, Lord Elphinstone laid the foundation in 1907 for the “Forest on the Top,” leading to the construction of the 20 km long small gauge line connecting Neeral to Matheran. The efforts of Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy in creating the Matheran Railway passage further enhanced connectivity, with a ruling gradient of 1 in 20.
Today, four pairs of railway lines traverse the mountains, carrying hundreds of passengers in each trip, with a single pair operational during the monsoons. The legacy of Matheran’s hill railways continues to captivate travelers with its scenic beauty and historical significance.
