It could mean fewer technical snags, more trips up and down the mountain every day for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The Railways has drafted plans to give the heritage steam line a shot in the arm that could lead to an upturn of its sagging fortunes.
A.K. Kathpal, Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer, Southern Railway, told The Hindu that wide-ranging measures, including additional oil-fired locomotives and newly designed coaches are to be introduced, probably by the end of this year. These could lead to an increase in the frequency of the trains and also fewer mechanical faults along the NMR line.
Mr. Kathpal said that two knowledge centres for steam locos were being created, retired steam personnel in Chennai and Tiruchi were being identified, and a framework is being created for the knowledge they possess on steam locomotives to be preserved and passed on.
“A vendor meeting was organised last month at the Golden Rock Railway Workshop in Tiruchi to encourage the industry to participate in tenders being floated for components, while an industry partner is being identified who can do the steam work on works contract,” he said.
Officials added that the NMR heritage coaches are being given a fresh look, while it was expected that there would be Rolling Stock Programme sanction for four additional oil-fired steam locomotives this year. Moreover, the only coal-powered locomotive still in running condition is also expected to be used along the NMR line, and work is currently under way to get it back into top running condition.
Responding to the action plan to revive the NMR, K. Natrajan, a heritage train enthusiast and founder of the Heritage Steam Chariot Trust (HSCT), said that the plans indicated the railway board's move to recognise the importance of the heritage steam lines, and if fully implemented, these measures would have wide-ranging implications for the NMR.
“If the sanction for the four additional engines is received, then there would be 11 locomotives, including the coal-fired engine, operational from Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam. This could mean more tourists will have the chance to enjoy travelling along the iconic NMR line, with fewer breakdowns mid-journey,” said Mr. Natrajan.
