Nilgiri railway line declared world heritage site

Mandsaur · Nov 20th, 2005, 22:17

From IANS:

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which meanders through dense forests on its journey to the majestic Nilgiri Hills, was Sunday declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Minister of State for Railways R. Velu unveiled a plaque at the railway station here to mark the 45.88-km railway line's new status. Velu joined the ceremony after travelling on a special train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, located about 600 km from Tamil Nadu capital Chennai.

Though the Nilgiri Mountain Railway was incurring annual losses of Rs.55 million, Velu said it was not viewed as a 'profit centre' but as a means to attract 'world attention and patronage'. He ruled out a separate management for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is the world's only metre-gauge rail link with a rack-and-pinion system.

The railway line is also the steepest in Asia, with an increase in elevation of one foot for every 12 feet of tracks.

Article here.

crvlvr · Nov 22nd, 2005, 04:39

more info on the history: http://www.hindu.com/yw/2005/07/29/s...2900030100.htm

Nov 20th, 2005, 22:17	#1
Mandsaur Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 140	Nilgiri railway line declared world heritage site From IANS: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which meanders through dense forests on its journey to the majestic Nilgiri Hills, was Sunday declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Minister of State for Railways R. Velu unveiled a plaque at the railway station here to mark the 45.88-km railway line's new status. Velu joined the ceremony after travelling on a special train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, located about 600 km from Tamil Nadu capital Chennai. Though the Nilgiri Mountain Railway was incurring annual losses of Rs.55 million, Velu said it was not viewed as a 'profit centre' but as a means to attract 'world attention and patronage'. He ruled out a separate management for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is the world's only metre-gauge rail link with a rack-and-pinion system. The railway line is also the steepest in Asia, with an increase in elevation of one foot for every 12 feet of tracks. Article here.

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Nov 22nd, 2005, 04:39	#2
crvlvr Guru Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Hollywood Posts: 4,667	more info on the history: http://www.hindu.com/yw/2005/07/29/s...2900030100.htm