You may soon be able to take a local to Matheran from Neral. Central Railway (CR) is speaking with manufacturers to build engineless multiple-unit trains, just like our regular locals, for trips between Neral and Matheran, officials told mid-day.

“Central Railway is in dialogue with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) for a new design Diesel-Electric powered Multiple Unit (DEMU) type self-propelled train for the narrow-gauge section. Planning is also underway about booking a saloon on this section. Saloon cars are available for chartered bookings for tourists. Unlike regular coaches, they are luxury coaches with additional amenities to experience the grandeur of travelling. The Matheran Light Railway has a saloon car in the form of a vistadome coach—which has a transparent roof—attached to two services, one up and one down.