Nilgiris Mountain Rail services cancelled for three days

Huge boulders and trees fell on the track about 18 km from Mettupalayam in the track between Coonoor and Mettupalayam. Trains had to be suspended Coonoor and Mettupalayam for three days. But movement of trains from Coonoor to Udhagamandalam was not affected. 

The Nilgiris has been receiving moderate to heavy showers over the last three days, affecting normal life of locals and tourists. Coonoor was no exception. This resulted in landslides in a couple of places. Boulders and trees on the track were noticed by railway staff during their early morning patrolling. 

Meanwhile the train from Mettupalayam to Coonoor had already left the Mettupalayam Railway Station at 7.15 am The train was stopped at Kallar railway station and alternate transport arrangements were made for passengers to go to Coonoor and Udhagamandalam. 

The train was sent back to Mettupalayam.  Around 50 railway staffs were deployed to clear the boulders and mend the track. Compressors were used to blast the boulders and clear them from the track using trolleys. Railway officials attached to the Salem Railway Division initially said that the mountain rail would be suspended between Mettupalayam and Coonoor only for a day. 

However, later that day the authorities said that it would take more time for clearing the boulders and mend the damaged track, due to which movement of trains in that stretch would be suspended till Saturday.