For promoting tourism on NMR

S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs037

Tourism on Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is likely to get a boost. According to sources, a meeting was recently held at Southern Railway headquarters in Chennai to look into the prospects of boosting tourism on the popular train route.

General Manager of Southern Railway John Thomas, Member of Railway Board Rajesh Agarwal and other principal heads of various departments in Southern Railway and Integral Coach Factory and Divisional Railway Manager of Southern Railway took part in the meeting.

Rajesh Agarwal said the stations in NMR are blessed with natural beauty around them and they can be developed as tourist attractions. And, they can attract the attention of tourists from across the globe.

There is an overwhelming interest on Heritage Mountain Railways among the tourists across the globe. The enthusiasm is more among tourists coming from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, he reminded. Addressing the representatives from travel and tourism sector he said we should work in partnership to promote heritage tourism.

Year 2020-21 is to be dedicated to reinvent the opportunities of tourism on NMR, he said. John Thomas said enthusiasm to enhance revenue potential utilising the facilities provided on NMR must always remain high.

U. Subba Rao, divisional railway manager, Salem division said that tourist specials are operated between Mettupalayam–Ooty, Ooty–Coonoor and Runnymede to develop tourism potential of NMR.

Tourists also can book chartered train services from Salem division in addition to the special trains announced. Heritage Museum is developed at Mettupalayam and Ooty Railway Station to attracts tourists, he said. Chetram, principal chief mechanical engineer, Southern Railway welcomed the gathering.