Steam engine train to chug at Neral tomorrow

Steam engines had their own charm. The 'chugging' sound of a steam locomotive, the sight of smoke billowing out, the sharp whistles are a passe now.

On February 23. As part of the heritage month celebrations by the Indian Railways, steam engine will be brought on the tracks at Neral on the Neral-Matheran route. A see-through vistadome coach which will allow the passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty outside will add to the travelling experience.

Since the steam engine would not able to take the load of coaches it has been modified and fitted with machines that enable it to run on diesel, said officials from Central Railway. Only two coaches will be added to it. "It will run for a few meters as a part of the rail heritage month," said Sunil Udasi, Chief PRO, Central Railway.

Apart from Neral-Matheran,the Railway Board has approved toy train to run on steam locomotives converted into diesel on other routes as well. These include Darjeeling-Siliguri, Kalka-Shimla and ghats of Kangra where toy trains run.

The conversion of steam into diesel locomotive was made at Rewari loco shed in Haryana.