A series of tests and trials of the diesel locomotive with five coaches was held between Mettupalayam and Hillgrove stations on Saturday, Southern Railway officials said.
Use of diesel locomotives on NMR will help in operating more coaches between Mettupalayam and Coonoor, about 20 km downhill from Udhagamandalam, than in steam operated trains, thereby catering to more tourists and locals.
Film director Mani Ratnam shot the popular “Chaiyya chaiyaa” song of his film “Dil Se” featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora atop a train on this line.
Also, the reliability of train services can be improved, thereby avoiding delays in train services, the officials said.
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