Mumbai railfans Arzan Kotval, Deep Soni and Sriram did a 10km walk to explore the newly started 3km Aman Lodge - Matheran Narrow guage line. Earlier you had to take a motor car ride from Neral, get down at Aman Lodge point and walk 3kms to Matheran station. After starting this line in the end of September 2012, it will be operational in monsoon also and will benifit senior citizens a lot who had to walk 3kms with luggages or do expensive horse rides.
A panoramic view of Neral – Bhivpuri road section capturing an entire train, shot from Dastur point, Matheran located at a height of 825 metres above sea level. The train is Mumbai Cst Nagercoil Express. (Arzan Kotval)
WHAT’S ON THE TOP ? A railway worker is actively inspecting the narrow guage engine at Matheran station before commencement of journey. (Arzan Kotval)
Tourists aboard, flags wave and the NDM-6 is ready to depart Matheran in style.. (Sriram S)
NDM-6 at the helm of Matheran-Aman Lodge toy train. (Deep)
A catchsiding amongst peaceful rain forests of Aman Lodge. (Arzan Kotval)
Man, monkeys seen – all seem to be welcoming the colourful toy train. (Arzan Kotval)
Passengers coming out of the train, after it terminates at Aman Lodge. No restrictions on photography as almost all are tourists here. (Arzan Kotval)
WHAT A VIEW ! The vibrantly colour toy train creates contrast within lush green trees of the forest. (Arzan Kotval)
The sad horses seem to be worrying about their future livelihood, as the trains will be competing with them. (Arzan Kotval)
A small catchsiding on the left just before entering Matheran station. (Arzan Kotval)
Puff Puff engine puffs a cloud of smoke. (Arzan Kotval)
WHAT ARE THEY UPTO – Gangmen protecting the rails ? (Arzan Kotval)
A couple of non smokers and a heavy smoker taking a walk together near Aman Lodge railway station. (Arzan Kotval)
The narrow guage train has been captured with twin engines for the first time at the newly inaugurated Matheran - Aman Lodge railway line. The reason for giving two engines is because reversal of locomotive at Aman Lodge station is not poss
An unused semaphore spotted near Matheran station. (Arzan Kotval)