Nilgiri Mountain Railway enthusiasts seeking Coonoor-Runnymede specials

OOTY: Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) aficionados are pleading for the operation of NMR picnic specials between Coonoor and Runnymede to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as the scenic Runnymede has a historical connection with Gandhi.

Mr. K. Nataraj, founder of the Heritage Steam Chariot Trust, an organization of NMR aficionados, said that Runnymede railway station is a gift of nature as this scenic spot along the Ooty-Coimabtore NH, which is hardly six-km off Coonoor town, is known for its woods, valley, tea garden, streams, flowers and birds.

Adjacent to the railway station is the Kateri park, which is a tourist destination. The blending of train tourism with garden tourism will help promote tourism, he suggested.

“A stream down the railway station in Runnymede is the spot where the ashes of Mahatma were immersed. When the country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma, it will be a fitting tribute to him by starting NMR picnic specials between Coonoor and Runnymede,” he pleaded.

Mr. Rajeshkumar James, secretary of the Citizens' Forum of Coonoor, said that when the railways is operating picnic round trip services between Ooty and Ketti, why was it hesitant to operate such trips in Coonoor limits. This summer, the Southern Railway should operate Coonoor-Runnymede picnic specials using the century old coal steam loco in service at the NMR to give tourists the coal and rack heritage ride experience.