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Matheran Hill Railway
The Matheran Hill Railway is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railway in Maharashtra, India, managed by the Central Railway zone. Spanning 21 km, it connects Neral to Matheran through the scenic Western Ghats. The MHR is currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Matheran Hill Railway spans 20 kilometers between Neral and Matheran hill station.
A distinctive feature of the line is its horseshoe-shaped embankments, and notable points along the route include Neral Station, the starting point; the Herdal Hill section; the steep Bhekra Khud gradient; the One Kiss Tunnel—the only tunnel on the line, famously named because it is just long enough for couples to exchange a kiss; a now-defunct Water Pipe Station; Mountain Berry, with its two sharp zigzags; Panorama Point; and finally, Matheran Bazaar, the route’s terminus. The nearby Mumbai–Pune broad-gauge railway intersects the hill railway at two locations, and due to the line’s 1:20 gradient and tight curves, train speeds are limited to 20 km/h.
History
Construction was initiated under the guidance of Abdul Peerbhoy and financed by his father, Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy of the Adamjee Group. The route was designed in 1900, construction began in 1904, and the line was completed in 1907. Originally laid with 30-pound-per-yard rails, the tracks were later upgraded to 42-pound-per-yard rails. Until the 1980s, the railway closed during the monsoon season due to landslide risks, but it now operates year-round. The line is managed by Central Railways.
Matheran Hill Railway UNESCO
The Matheran Hill Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway connecting Neral to the hill station of Matheran. Though often mentioned in general descriptions of India’s UNESCO heritage railways, it is not yet a formally recognized World Heritage Site; it currently appears on UNESCO’s tentative list for future consideration. The railway is a popular tourist attraction, celebrated for its scenic journey through the Western Ghats and unique features such as its narrow gauge, switchbacks, and the famous “One Kiss Tunnel.”
Key Features
UNESCO Tentative List: The Matheran Hill Railway, along with the Kangra Valley Railway, is included on UNESCO’s tentative list, highlighting its potential for future World Heritage designation. Mountain Railways of India: It is part of the broader Mountain Railways of India, a series of heritage railways that includes three other lines already recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Scenic Route: Covering 21 kilometers, the railway winds through the forests of the Western Ghats, featuring dramatic switchbacks and the iconic One Kiss Tunnel. Heritage Status: Operating since 1907, the railway offers a historic and cherished “toy train” experience, attracting tourists and railway enthusiasts alike.
Matheran Hill Railway Timetable
To reach Matheran, take a train to Neral, then the Neral-Matheran toy train, then a train to Matheran, or a walk. Train services are available with the last service at 5:00 PM, from Matheran. The Neral-Matheran toy train journey takes about three hours.
Matheran Hill Railway Ticket Price
For a Neral-Matheran toy train ticket, prices can vary, but expect to pay around ₹55 to ₹95 for a second-class ticket, with prices for First Class and a “Luxury Class” costing significantly more (e.g., luxury class fares can be over ₹1300), and a shuttle service is also available for approximately ₹45 for adults. Tickets for the Neral to Matheran journey can be bought at ticket counters at Neral or Aman Lodge stations, while other connections may use shuttle services or horse rides to reach Matheran town.
Matheran Hill Railway Route
The journey begins at Neral, located near Mumbai, on the 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge line. Initially, the railway runs parallel to the broad-gauge line west of Herdal Hill before turning east to ascend toward Matheran. The rail and road intersect near Jumapatti and meet again briefly at Bhekra Khud. After a short level stretch, the line encounters a steep ascent just before Mount Barry, where a large horseshoe embankment was constructed to avoid a reversing station.
The track then curves northward around the embankment before passing through the famous One-Kiss Tunnel. Following this are two additional zig-zags through deep cuttings leading to Panorama Point, after which the line bends back toward Simpson’s Tank and finally terminates at Matheran. The complete 21-kilometre journey currently takes about two hours and 20 minutes, though Central Railways plans to reduce travel time to approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
