Notwithstanding COVID-19 pandemic, the Aman Lodge – Matheran Toy Train services are getting an overwhelming response from the passengers says a Central Railways release. “In just 36 days 23,414 passengers travelled registering earnings of Rs.14,73,503/-,” said the release.
Since the restart on 4 November, the 12 shuttle services (6 up and 6 down) have attracted both tourists and the residents of Matheran who find it as a necessary mode of transport. The shuttle services were opened in a gradual manner. The Central Railway resumed shuttle services between Aman Lodge and Matheran on 4th November with 4 shuttle services daily. Since the response was good, the Central Railway increased the services to 8 more on 14th November. This was further increased to 12 services on 18th November.
The Central Railways have not announced any change to the composition of the shuttle. On the 14th November, it had said that the shuttle composition included 3-second class, one first-class and 2 luggage vans.
Aman Lodge railway station is a railway station on the Neral – Matheran railway line of the Matheran Hill Railway. Since no automobiles are allowed in Matheran, the train service and horseback riding are the only two options for commuting. The distance between Aman Lodge and Matheran is 3 kilometres. The Aman Lodge – Matheran toy train takes approximately 20 mins to reach its destination.