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Central Railway Suspends Neral–Aman Lodge Narrow‐Gauge Service for Monsoon

Shuttle trains between Matheran and Aman Lodge will maintain scheduled trips following safety upgrades to mitigate monsoon risks.

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Overview

  • The Central Railway has halted regular passenger services on the 21-km Neral–Aman Lodge narrow-gauge line from June 1 to October 15 due to safety concerns over heavy rains and potential landslides.
  • Six shuttle trips in each direction will run daily between Matheran and Aman Lodge on weekdays and eight on weekends, using three second-class coaches, one first-class coach and two second-class-cum-luggage vans.
  • The suspension impacts the 118-year-old Neral-Matheran Light Railway heritage service originally inaugurated with a steam engine in 1907.
  • Western Railway has completed major monsoon readiness works across its Mumbai suburban network and issued a Monsoon Precaution Booklet to guide staff on flooding prevention and service continuity.
  • An early onset of the monsoon, confirmed by the Indian Meteorological Department, has prompted rail operators to reinforce safety protocols and protect vulnerable track sections.