The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) will soon get 35 new coaches, which will replace the old coaches, according to Vashishta Johri, general manager, Southern Railway.
Johri was in Coonoor railway station on an inspection tour. "The present coaches are very old and will have to be replaced soon. Thirty-five coaches have been specially ordered for this purpose," he said.
Since the NMR runs on the meter gauge section, the coaches should be specially designed. They are getting ready at Golden Rock in Trichy, he added.
Recently, an extra coach was added to the mountain train on a trial basis in addition to the existing three coaches plying between Mettupalayam and Ooty. "Passengers' safety is the main concern of the railways. Considering the fragile nature of the NMR terrain, the railways needs to be cautious when adding more coaches," said Johri. They are also thinking about permenantly adding more coaches to the service to cater to tourists.
When asked about the frequent landslides during monsoon season on the NMR track and safety measures taken by the railways, Johri said, "A committee formed for the purpose inspected the NMR track and a report has been sent to the railway board. We are waiting for suggestions from the board to mitigate frequent landslides on the track".
After inspecting the loco-shed in Coonoor railway station, Johri announced a cash award of Rs.20,000 to the maintenance staff in appreciation of their impressive work.
The loco shed maintains steam as well diesel locos in the section. NMR comprises seven locos, including three new indigenous ones.
Johri was in Coonoor railway station on an inspection tour. "The present coaches are very old and will have to be replaced soon. Thirty-five coaches have been specially ordered for this purpose," he said.
Since the NMR runs on the meter gauge section, the coaches should be specially designed. They are getting ready at Golden Rock in Trichy, he added.
Recently, an extra coach was added to the mountain train on a trial basis in addition to the existing three coaches plying between Mettupalayam and Ooty. "Passengers' safety is the main concern of the railways. Considering the fragile nature of the NMR terrain, the railways needs to be cautious when adding more coaches," said Johri. They are also thinking about permenantly adding more coaches to the service to cater to tourists.
When asked about the frequent landslides during monsoon season on the NMR track and safety measures taken by the railways, Johri said, "A committee formed for the purpose inspected the NMR track and a report has been sent to the railway board. We are waiting for suggestions from the board to mitigate frequent landslides on the track".
After inspecting the loco-shed in Coonoor railway station, Johri announced a cash award of Rs.20,000 to the maintenance staff in appreciation of their impressive work.
The loco shed maintains steam as well diesel locos in the section. NMR comprises seven locos, including three new indigenous ones.