Chennai, March 8: In anticipation of a surge in tourist arrivals during the summer vacation season, the Southern Railway's Salem Railway Division has announced the operation of a special summer service on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) between Mettupalayam in the Coimbatore district and Udhagamandalam (Ooty) in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
This move is aimed at accommodating the increasing number of visitors heading to this popular hill destination in the Nilgiris.
According to railway officials, the special mountain train will operate from March 27 to July 5, running twice a week on Fridays and Sundays from Mettupalayam to Ooty. It will depart from Mettupalayam at 9:10 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Udhagamandalam at 2:25 p.m., offering passengers a leisurely journey through the picturesque Nilgiri hills.
The return service will operate from March 28 to July 6 on Saturdays and Mondays from Ooty to Mettupalayam. On these days, the train will leave Ooty at 11:25 a.m. and arrive at Mettupalayam at 4:20 p.m.
Railway authorities said that the introduction of these special services is a response to the sharp increase in tourist bookings during the summer months, when families, students, and travelers flock to hill stations to escape the intense heat in the plains.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO-recognized heritage rail line, currently operates between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam, and is renowned for its breathtaking views of lush forests, tea plantations, tunnels, and steep mountain curves, making it one of the most sought-after tourist experiences in South India.
Under the regular schedule, the heritage train departs Mettupalayam at 7:10 a.m. and reaches Ooty around noon. The route, which covers approximately 46 kilometers, attracts both domestic and international tourists who travel specifically to experience the historic steam-powered mountain railway.
However, with school and college examinations nearing completion and summer holidays approaching, demand for tickets on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway has risen sharply.
Many passengers have reportedly found it difficult to secure seats on the regular service due to the high demand. Officials said that the additional summer special services are expected to alleviate ticket shortages and accommodate more travelers eager to explore the cool climate and scenic beauty of the Nilgiris.
The railways have advised passengers to book tickets in advance through authorized booking platforms to avoid last-minute inconvenience, as the mountain train continues to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu during the summer season.
