Ooty’s Lovedale Station Celebrates 118 Years of Heritage

Coimbatore: Amid the misty hills, towering pine trees and the nostalgic whistles of the toy train, Lovedale Railway Station in Ooty celebrated 118 years of heritage and old-world charm. The Salem Division of Southern Railway marked the occasion at the picturesque station, whose colonial-era character continues to captivate railway enthusiasts and visitors to the Nilgiris.

The celebrations featured flag hoisting, cake cutting and the distribution of sweets to passengers travelling on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR). The occasion honoured one of the most cherished stations along the historic hill railway, where the scenic surroundings and the enduring charm of the railway create an experience steeped in nostalgia.

Lovedale is among the memorable landmarks along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway celebrated for its remarkable engineering and spectacular mountain journey. Winding through the Nilgiris, the historic line offers passengers glimpses of mist-covered slopes, lush greenery and pine-lined landscapes, while the familiar whistle of the toy train evokes memories of a bygone era. More than a mode of transport, the railway remains a treasured part of the region's heritage and identity.

The celebrations also extended to Ketti, where the Ketti Station Mahotsav was held with participation from members of the Baduga community of Hullada village. Schoolchildren added colour to the occasion by releasing colourful balloons, while cultural programmes brought a festive atmosphere to the station. The event highlighted the close connection between the heritage railway and the communities living in the Nilgiris.

The station celebrations formed part of the Salem Division's observances marking the Nilgiri Mountain Railway's anniversary. October 15 is a significant date in the railway's history: the line from Coonoor was extended to Ooty on October 15, 1908, marking the arrival of the mountain railway at the hill station. In 2026, that milestone marked 118 years of train services to Ooty.

With its colonial charm, scenic setting and enduring association with the toy train, Lovedale continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who travel through the Nilgiris. Its anniversary was not merely a celebration of a railway station, but a tribute to a heritage that has connected people with the hills for generations.