Hello there!
I know this thread is from a year ago but I figured I'd give an update about the Matheran Toy Train. So since May 2016, the Matheran Toy Train was suspended from operating. This is due to the two derailing incidents that it suffered. For the safety of the passengers as well, they have decided to stop its operation to give way for its renovation. As of August 2016, there is still no news about when the the Matheran Toy Train will be fully functional.
So these two incidents happened in a close span of time with one another. So last year, in April, the toy train derailed and experienced technical failure in the Jhumapatti Station. Just this May, two incidents happened as well. Last May 1, the train malfunctioned and sent its bogies off-track. It has about 30 passengers that time. Then, last May 7, it derailed again near the Aman Lodge Station, while 100 passengers are on-board.
Up to now, it's still not clear when the Matheran Toy Train will resume its operations. Last May 27, the toy train trial was successful and many people assumed that the operations would begin again. But since the management have discovered that there were still problems in the same tracks that encountered issues, they postponed the operations again. It can take more time to change the design of the train and at the same time, make sure it's safe for the passengers.
Until now, there's just one loco fitted with air brake system running on 600 hp that has been sent to the railway management. But there are supposed to be other locos and engines sent to them. The management is also planning to make some walls around the rails to make it more safe for passengers. They are also planning to fit a Vigilance Control Device to the train. This way, the train can be monitored and the driver can be alerted every minute. In case the driver isn't responding, the train can be stopped automatically from the station.
Anyway, in case the Matheran Toy Train starts operating again, here are the
timings:
- Neral to Matheran - Everyday train departs at 6:40 am, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 5:05 pm. During Saturdays and Sundays, it's at 12:00 pm.
- Matheran to Neral - Everyday train departs at 7:00 am, 9:45 am, 12:50 pm, 3:15 pm and 4:45 pm. During Saturdays and Sundays, it's at 2:05 pm.
You can book your tickets from the IRCTC website. Tickets are also available from the counter 45 minutes before departure. The rates are:
- Ordinary Class - Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 25 for children.
- First Class - Rs. 65 for adults and Rs. 40 for children.
- Second Class - Rs. 265 for adults and Rs. 160 for children.
- Deluxe - Rs. 1,350 for both adults and children.
I hope this helps!
