New coaches for Nilgiri Mountain Train

Very soon, those taking the Nilgiri Mountain Railway which chugs along the picturesque lush green mountains can say goodbye to decades-old coach and welcome new stainless-steel coaches.

The Integral Coach Factory in the city has taken up the task of designing and developing new age steel bodied coaches for the Heritage NMR Railway system and the first formation of one rake comprising 4 new all stainless steel coaches have been rolled out from ICF and they are now on their way to Mettupalayam by rail.

The coaches that are being used currently are more than four-decades-old and have been refurbished and retrofitted time and again. “Totally, 15 coaches are being planned to be manufactured by ICF for NMR. Of these 12 coaches will make 3 rakes comprising of 1 first class, 2nd-second class seater, and 1 luggage-cum-passenger car formation, each.

The remaining 3 coaches will be spare coaches in case of any replacement needs,” an ICF spokesman said.

Nilgiri Mountain Railways, a UNESCO Heritage Railways, is one of the oldest Railway Systems in Indian Railways having begun its journey in 1899. The new coaches will have three classes -- First class, Second class and Second-class luggage van with passenger seating, large windows for the panoramic view, cushioned seats.