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Nilgiri Mountain Railways a World Heritage
by Jehovah. G
Mettupalayam (Coimbatore): The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), famous for its unique Rack and Pinion system, has been recently declared by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) as World Heritage Site. Union Minister of State R Velu unveiled a plaque proclaiming "World Heritage Status" for Nilgiri Mountain Railway at Mettupalayam railway station in Coimbatore. Mountain Railway is based on the Rack and Pinion system as sharp as 18 degrees. The unique Rack and Pinion system has been working satisfactorily for more than a century, making it as one of the technological wonders of the world.
The
mountain railway which is 45.88 kilometres long, is the only 1000 mm gauge
Rack and Pinion Mountain railway existing in the world today. The 27-kilometre
line between Mettupalayam and Coonoor was completed in 1899 and was extended
to Ooty in 1908. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway traversing the blue-mountain
has managed to retain its old world charm. Velu announced an allocation
of rupees 20 crore (about 4.4 million dollars) for upgrading various facilities
along the route, including re-laying tracks, production of new coaches
and modernisation of railway stations, it will include. He added that
the upgrading work would be done without changing the old structures.
"We have kept all the old structures, retaining its pristine glory without
any kind of alteration. There will be some modernisation, without changing
the basic structures," said Velu. He also announced the proposal to introduce
a diesel multiple unit between Mettupalayam and Coimbatore.
-Nov 24, 2005
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