Steam engine back on Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The little steam engine train, which was rested due to shortage of coal, is returning to the Nilgiris. The four-coach train that runs from Mettupalayam to Ootty once again begins its climb of the hill through the tunnel built cutting Nilgiri hills.

As the century-old steam engine was rested, diesel and furnace oil became the fuel. The steam engine has now returned to Coonoor after maintenance work at the railway workshop in Mettupalayam.

The train, listed on the Heritage List, runs on a loss, and the Railways is working on several plans to make it profitable.