Matheran reality: No train, no life

The absence of the famous Matheran toy train has created panic among the 5,500 residents of the hill station, located around 80 km from the city.

Ever since the toy train — critical to the very survival of the people and the local economy — stopped chugging along,  the tourist inflow has come down by nearly 30 per cent even as the peak season took off from mid-October. On the other hand, prices of  milk, vegetables and other goods and services, which now are being ferried by road, have shot up 25 to 40 per cent.

“There has been a steep drop in the number of tourists visiting Matheran this year. We have already submitted a proposal to lure back tourists and are awaiting quick response to ensure that the industry does not die out,” said Rajesh Kanade, chief officer, the Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council.

“If the government fails to initiate concrete measures, Matheran may soon cease to exist on the tourist map of Maharashtra,” says Yogesh Lele, proprietor, Sanyog Tours, which organises regular tours to the hill station.

“If adequate measures are not taken to substitute the toy train, which is off the tracks and is likely to remain so  till next monsoon, the situation could be disastrous for the local economy. After a year, it will be difficult for Matheran to regain its status,” says Raju Bhatia of Deepa Travels & Tours, Borivali. “Matheran is the only tourist destination that is eco-sensitive,” he adds.

Locals and the taxi drivers, who ferry people from Neral to Matheran (the route of the toy train), are currently looting tourists by charging exorbitant rates. “In the off season, taxi drivers charge Rs 150 to Rs 250 per person one-way for the 10-km route. Rates during the peak (vacation) season have almost doubled,” says Lele.

The train is very crucial for the region as the roadway goes only up to Dastoori Naka, from where people either hire horses or walk more than two km to the town centre.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation managing director Bhushan Gagrani told DNA: “Four years ago, the state government submitted a proposal to the Centre for a cable car from Neral to Matheran. The proposal is still pending with the Ministry of Environment and Forests.”

He added that the Centre sanctioned Rs 5 crore for the development of Matheran. “Sadly, no work has been initiated as the plans for development are yet to be approved by the heritage committee of the region.”