Maharashtra toy train back on track

CHUGGING AGAIN: The historic toy train service has been opened to the public again after two years again.

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Matheran (Maharashtra): The wait is finally over for the gateman, Balu Hari, for the train at Matheran in Maharashtra, as the Queen chugs in at last.

However, Balu's task doesn't end here. He makes his way through the thick undergrowth to the next railroad crossing.

And why is Balu’s daily routine so necessary?

"I climb up four times for every trip as there are four crossings on the route and I am the only gateman,” says Hari.

Loud cheers and crackers welcome the pride of Matheran or 'Matheran ki rani' as they call her.

This historic toy train service from Neral to Matheran has been opened to the public again after two years since the tracks were washed away in 2005.

“The tracks were washed away in the rains. Central railways put in a lot of effort to restore the service. Rupees three crore was spent,” says PRO Central Railway, A K Singh.

For passengers traveling on this little wonder, it is the excitement of travel itself more than a need of getting from one point to another.

Hoteliers are also glad to have the Queen chugging up the mountains bringing tourists and brisk business.

“People are happy that the service of the train has resumed,” says hotel owner, Ravi Kishen.

This two-hour journey on the train actually takes only half an hour by road. But this is one joyride one wouldn’t want to miss.

(With inputs from Satyarth Nayak)