It's Heritage But Equally Dangerous: Check India's Scenic Yet Risky Rail Route At 2,570-Feet Height; 121 Bridges In Just 21 Kms- Details

The Matheral Hill train route can be termed the most dangerous railroad in India, given the threat it faces due to inclement weather and topography. The train route is located in Karjat tehsil of Raigad district in Maharashtra. It has five halts - Neral (start), Jummapatti, Waterpipe, Aman Lodge and Matheran (destination).

Matheran toy train made it to UNESCO's tentative heritage list for India in December 2005. The route is 21 km long. Adults are charged Rs 300 for first-class tickets and Rs 75 for second-class tickets. For children, first-class tickets cost Rs 180, while second-class tickets are priced at Rs 45. Entry to Matheran Hill Station costs Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children. The train now features Vistadome coache as well.

The heritage route is 110 kms from Mumbai and 120 kms away from Pune. It's located at a height of 2,570 feet at the Matheran hill station. Matheran is India's only automobile-free hill station and is an eco-sensitive zone. Teh toy train services are run by the Central Railway (CR) cutting through a forest and connecting Neral to Matheran in the Western Ghats.

Interestingly, the rail route was not made by the Indian Railways or Britishers but by an entrepreneur. It was constructed between 1901 and 1907 by Peerbhoy Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy and financed by his father Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy.

The Matheran Hill Railway is a narrow-gauge heritage railway that connects Neral to Matheran. Known for its challenging route, breathtaking views, and engineering marvels, it is sometimes considered one of India's most daring railway journeys. 

Spanning approximately 21 kilometres, the track is laid through dense forests and steep cliffs. The journey climbs from 40 meters at Neral to over 800 meters at Matheran in just around 20 km, signifying the uphill crawling challenge. The railway uses a narrow gauge of 610 mm (2 feet). 

The Neral-Matheran train line features sharp curves, 121 bridges, and a unique 'one-kiss tunnel', which is the only tunnel along the route and adds to the railway's distinct character. The train moves slowly at an average speed of 12 km/h, taking about 2–2.5 hours to complete the journey. 

The rail route navigates steep inclines and rugged terrain, making it prone to landslides and rockfalls, especially during the monsoon season. These natural hazards add an element of danger and unpredictability to the journey. The train services mostly remain suspended during monsoon due to landslides.