India’s slowest train: Even a bicycle can pass ahead, but the journey should be such that the heart becomes happy!: Nilgiri Mountain Railway history

On one hand, there is talk of a bullet train in India, which will run at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour, while on the other hand, there is a train in our country which is famous for its ‘tortoise speed’. This train runs so slowly that even a healthy person can leave it behind on a bicycle.

This train takes 5 hours to complete the journey of 46 kilometers. That means its average speed is less than 10 kilometers per hour! Let us know about this unique train.

So where does this train go?

This fascinating train runs in the beautiful Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. Its name is Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This train climbs the mountains from the town of Mettupalayam to the paradise like Ooty. Because this train passes through steep climbs and very winding roads, its speed has been kept so slow.

Then why would anyone travel in it?

Now you will think that when it can be reached by road in less time, then who would spend 5 hours and board this train? The answer is- its journey, which is completely ‘worth the money’.

This is not an ordinary train, but a part of UNESCO World Heritage. In this short journey of 46 kilometers this train:

• Passes through 16 dark tunnels.
• Crosses more than 250 small and big bridges.
• 208 rotates through sharp turns.

During this journey, the views of the Western Ghats seen outside the window are no less than a dream. Surrounded by greenery, tea plantations and mist-wrapped hills… it is not just a journey, but a memorable experience.

What is its time-table and history?

• Timing: This train departs from Mettupalayam at 7:10 am and reaches Ooty at 12 noon. In return, it departs from Ooty at 2 pm and reaches Mettupalayam at 5:35 pm.
• History: This amazing railway line was first proposed by the British in 1854. But cutting the mountains was so difficult that work on it could start in 1891 and it was completely ready only in 1908.

So next time when you want to take a break from the hectic pace of life, then definitely board this train. This train teaches us that sometimes the journey is more beautiful than the destination.