The Matheran Toy Train is a historic narrow-gauge railway line located in the hill station of Matheran in Maharashtra, India. Here is a brief history of the Matheran Toy Train.
1) The construction of the Matheran Toy Train began in 1901 and was completed in 1907. It was initially built to transport goods and supplies to the hill station and nearby areas.
2) The railway line was established during the British colonial era to connect the town of Neral, at the foothills of Matheran, with the hill station. It was primarily used by British officials and tourists.
3) The Matheran Toy Train is a narrow-gauge railway with a track width of 2 feet (610 mm), making it one of the narrowest gauge lines in India.
4) The railway route is approximately 20 kilometers long and has a total of 28 sharp bends, which provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
5) The construction of the railway line was a challenging task due to the steep gradient and the rugged terrain of the region. Local laborers and engineers used manual techniques to build the track and lay the rails.
6) The Matheran Toy Train was initially powered by steam locomotives. However, in 1982, diesel locomotives were introduced, replacing the steam engines.
7) In 2007, the railway line was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name "Mountain Railways of India." It is one of the three mountain railways in India to receive this prestigious recognition, along with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
8) The Matheran Toy Train attracts tourists from all over the world who come to experience the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats and enjoy a leisurely ride through the picturesque landscape of Matheran.
9) The train journey takes approximately two hours, allowing passengers to admire the stunning views of lush green hills, waterfalls, and dense forests along the way.
Today, the Matheran Toy Train is operated by the Central Railway of India. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers a memorable experience for visitors to Matheran.
