8 Facts About Nilgiri Mountain Railway, The Only Rack Railway In India

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

1. Historic Significance

[{"selector":"#anim-4fc2fb9d-24cd-4855-86aa-19efcb593b78 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-58.2057290497636%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) was established in 1908, making it one of the oldest mountain railways in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

2. Rack And Pinion System

[{"selector":"#anim-26854dbe-e22c-4bfa-aa3b-84ab2585ef03 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.85807283112263%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The NMR is the only rack railway in India, using a unique rack and pinion system to navigate the steep gradients of the Nilgiri Hills. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

3. Scenic Journey

[{"selector":"#anim-4841876f-b0f6-4a5b-8f42-e6015a353648 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-37.13795723902679%, 0, 0) translate(-15.243902439024392%, -1.4453032591870575e-7%) scale(1.3048780487804879)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The railway line spans approximately 46 kms.The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is known for being one of the slowest trains in India. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

4. Steam Locomotives

[{"selector":"#anim-1b74c81e-ebe0-493d-adbe-8b621b049c89 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-9.32812488309693%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The NMR still operates vintage steam locomotives on some sections of the route. These charming engines date back to the early 20th century. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

5. Engineering Marvel

[{"selector":"#anim-c21b86aa-482a-4453-9a74-71f93a16ba49 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The railway line passes through 16 tunnels, 208 curves, and crosses 250 bridges, making it a true engineering marvel. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

6. Colonial Legacy

[{"selector":"#anim-27e79b5e-9b0b-4a49-8071-c94b2f5347db [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-24.08608474841575%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The railway was originally built by the British to serve the summer retreat of Ooty. It now reflects the architectural and engineering prowess of the time. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

7. Chaiyya Chaiyya

[{"selector":"#anim-2c0374b6-28fa-411a-962c-25e67a37aecc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.240844612732676%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The song "Chaiyya Chaiyya" from the film Dil Se (1998) was filmed on the slow-moving train, with the dance sequence shot on its roof, showcasing the train’s picturesque route. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

8. Tourist Attraction

[{"selector":"#anim-2a10304a-1d73-4535-9bb0-931b7f38b41d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-17.345174039816%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Today, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

[{"selector":"#anim-89ebbfab-e2cf-4620-b8a0-b985b74cd437 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Have you taken a ride on the Nilgiri mountain rail yet? Credits: Wikimedia Commons