Special Nilgiri Mountain Railway services between Mettupalayam, Udagamandalam and Coonoor will operate from August 7 to October 5, with weekend trains introduced to meet the growing demand from tourists and heritage rail enthusiasts.
Coimbatore: For countless travellers, a journey aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is more than just a train ride but an experience that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Winding through mist-covered hills, dense forests, tunnels and iconic bridges, the UNESCO-recognised heritage railway remains one of India’s most sought-after tourist attractions.
However, limited services and the difficulty of securing tickets have long left many visitors disappointed, with travellers and tourism enthusiasts consistently demanding additional trains.
Responding to the overwhelming patronage received by the recently introduced special services, Southern Railway has now announced that the special NMR trains will continue operating until October 5, offering more opportunities for tourists to experience the iconic mountain railway.
The special services will operate between Mettupalayam and Udagamandalam, as well as between Udagamandalam and Coonoor, on weekends from August 7 to October 5.
Train No. 06171 will depart from Mettupalayam at 9.10 a.m. every Friday and Sunday from August 7 to October 4 and arrive at Udagamandalam at 2.25 p.m. The return service, Train No. 06172, will leave Udagamandalam at 11.25 a.m. every Saturday and Monday from August 8 to October 5, reaching Mettupalayam at 4.20 p.m.
Udagamandalam - Coonoor
Train No. 06176 will depart Udagamandalam at 2.50 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays, while Train No. 06199 will leave Coonoor at 9.20 a.m. on Saturdays and Mondays during the same period.
Railway officials said the continuation of the special services is aimed at meeting the growing demand from tourists, heritage railway enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting the Nilgiris.
However, limited services and the difficulty of securing tickets have long left many visitors disappointed, with travellers and tourism enthusiasts consistently demanding additional trains.
Responding to the overwhelming patronage received by the recently introduced special services, Southern Railway has now announced that the special NMR trains will continue operating until October 5, offering more opportunities for tourists to experience the iconic mountain railway.
The special services will operate between Mettupalayam and Udagamandalam, as well as between Udagamandalam and Coonoor, on weekends from August 7 to October 5.
Train No. 06171 will depart from Mettupalayam at 9.10 a.m. every Friday and Sunday from August 7 to October 4 and arrive at Udagamandalam at 2.25 p.m. The return service, Train No. 06172, will leave Udagamandalam at 11.25 a.m. every Saturday and Monday from August 8 to October 5, reaching Mettupalayam at 4.20 p.m.
Udagamandalam - Coonoor
Train No. 06176 will depart Udagamandalam at 2.50 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays, while Train No. 06199 will leave Coonoor at 9.20 a.m. on Saturdays and Mondays during the same period.
Railway officials said the continuation of the special services is aimed at meeting the growing demand from tourists, heritage railway enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting the Nilgiris.