The Matheran mini train service between Neral and Matheran has been delayed indefinitely because its engines require repairs, even though the 21-km railway track is ready for operations, according to a report by The Times of India. The disruption leaves passengers dependent on the shorter Aman Lodge–Matheran shuttle section while the main hill railway link remains unavailable.
The service on the Neral–Matheran section stopped around May, before the monsoon. Eight engines had been deployed on the route, but two are currently being used on the 3-km shuttle section between Aman Lodge and Matheran. One of these engines also serves as a replacement locomotive for the shuttle and operates goods services when required.
The Neral–Matheran line is the principal rail connection to the hill station from the Neral side. Its continued suspension affects visitors travelling to Matheran as well as residents and businesses that rely on the railway for passenger and goods movement. The available shuttle service covers only the final 3-km stretch between Aman Lodge and Matheran, rather than the full route from Neral.
According to sources cited in the report, the engines are undergoing or awaiting repair at Central Railway workshops in Kurla, Parel and Matunga when they require major overhaul or repair. Engines with minor issues are being kept at Neral. One engine has already been sent to a workshop, while the remaining engines are currently parked at Neral.
The situation highlights the operational dependence of the heritage route on a limited fleet of specialised locomotives. With engines assigned to the shuttle and goods movement, the railway has fewer available units for restoring the longer Neral–Matheran service. The report does not specify a repair completion date or a revised date for restarting the full route.
The track itself is not identified as the immediate cause of the delay. Instead, engine availability and other operational issues have prevented the resumption of services. Local residents expect the service to restart on the Neral–Matheran section, but no confirmed timeline has been announced in the report.
The transport gap has also revived demands for additional rolling stock. Activist Janardan Parte said residents had previously asked the Union railway minister for more coaches and goods wagons for the section. He said no decision had been taken on those demands and called for the local MP to pursue them with the ministry.
The Times of India said it contacted Central Railway chief public relations officer Swapnil Nila for comment, but did not receive a response. Until the engines are repaired and made available, the operational service remains limited to the Aman Lodge–Matheran shuttle, with the full Neral–Matheran connection continuing to face an indefinite delay.
