174 people including tourists traveled in this train. A
short distance from the railway station, the fourth coach of the hill train
derailed.
Nilgiris District Coonoor Railway Station Nilgiri Hill Train
left for Mettupalayam with 4 coaches this evening. 174 people including
tourists traveled in this train. A short distance from the railway
station, the fourth coach of the mountain train derailed. As the wheels of
the box came down, the fourth box derailed. Fortunately, no mishaps
occurred. No one was injured. The passengers were relieved. The
174 passengers who were immediately evacuated from the train were sent to
Mettupalayam by bus.
The work of repairing the train compartment is in full
swing. Due to this the hill train service to Mettupalayam has been affected. The
railway officials have said that the mountain train service will start after
the carriage is repaired. The Railway Police Department is investigating
the incident. The derailment of the mountain train has created a sensation
in the area.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the only mountain railway in
South India. This train is running from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore to
Udagai in Nilgiris. Mettupalayam - Coonoor mountain railway is 123 years
old. In 2005, the mountain railway was declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO. The beauty and natural surroundings of the cloud-creeping Western
Ghats are mind-blowing. The train offers passengers a pleasant journey
between mountains and dense forests with waterfalls here and there. Due to
this, this mountain train attracts not only domestic passengers but also
foreign passengers.
The Nilgiris Hill Railway is running between Ooty, Coonoor
and Mettupalayam in the Nilgiris district on the hill track with the help of
toothed wheels. To keep the coaches of the mountain train from getting
damaged, the 'brake' is operated. Crossing 108 curves, 16 tunnels and 250
bridges, the mountain train reaches Ooty railway station at 12 noon. This
makes the Nilgiri Hill Railway a favorite among tourists.