The toy train, an integral part of the Matheran experience, has seen an overwhelming response, serving over five lakh passengers in the fiscal year 2023-24 alone. This surge in visitors has translated into substantial revenue, with the toy train generating an impressive Rs3.54 crore during the same period.
Matheran is one of the nearest and most popular tourist destinations for the citizens of Mumbai, Pune and the surrounding area. The Neral-Matheran service, which started 117 years ago, is one of the few heritage mountain railways in India.
Central Railway (CR) runs services on the narrow gauge line winding up the mountains from Neral to Matheran. Shuttle services are also run between Aman Lodge and Matheran. Currently, Central Railway runs 4 services daily between Neral-Matheran-Neral and 16 services between Aman Lodge-Matheran-Aman Lodge of which, 12 services run daily and four special services run on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) only.
According to CR, five lakh passengers have been ferried to Matheran, which includes 3.75 lakh passengers between Aman Lodge and Matheran and 1.25 lakh passengers between Neral and Matheran during the financial year 2023-24.
“Total revenue earned stands at Rs3.54 crore including Rs2.48 crore between Aman Lodge and Matheran and Rs1.6 crore between Neral and Matheran,” said an official.
CR is also introducing sleeping pods, also known as pod hotel, at Matheran, which will feature single pods, double pods and family pods, providing a range of accommodation options to cater to the diverse needs of tourists.
These air-conditioned pods are designed to offer maximum comfort and privacy, equipped with modern amenities such as mobile charging facilities, locker room services, fire alarms, intercom systems, and deluxe toilet and bathroom facilities, among others.
The contract for the development and operation of the pod hotel was awarded through e-auction.
Booking options will be flexible and tourists will be able to reserve pods through both physical means at the reception and online via a dedicated mobile app.
