Matheran mini train to resume on October 30 with Vistadome coach and new timetable

Good news for tourists planning a trip to Matheran: the hill station's famous mini train, which runs through its ghat section, is returning to the tracks. Central Railway will resume the Neral-Matheran service from Friday, October 30, 2026.

The train remains shut for the monsoon months, from June to October, for safety. With the rains nearly over, the railway has issued a new timetable for the route. It includes services with a Vistadome coach. The shuttle between Aman Lodge and Matheran will also continue to run as before.

The hill station is known for its greenery, winding tracks and views from the narrow-gauge railway. Visitors will again have a favourite way to travel there.

Two trains a day will run from Neral to Matheran, with return trains in the afternoon and evening. Train No. 52103 will leave Neral at 8.50 am and reach Matheran at 11.30 am. Train No. 52105 will leave Neral at 10.25 am and arrive at 1.05 pm. On the return, Train No. 52104 will leave Matheran at 2.45 pm and reach Neral at 5.30 pm, while Train No. 52106 will leave at 4 pm and reach Neral at 6.40 pm.

All four trains will have six coaches each, but their make-up differs. Trains No. 52103 and 52104 will have three second-class coaches, one Vistadome coach and two coaches that combine second-class seats with luggage space. Trains No. 52105 and 52106 will have three second-class coaches, one first-class coach and two second-class coaches with luggage space.

Several shuttles will run in both directions every day between Aman Lodge and Matheran. The journey takes about 18 minutes. From Aman Lodge to Matheran, Train No. 52153 will leave at 8.45 am and arrive at 9.03 am. No. 52155 will leave at 9.35 am and arrive at 9.53 am, No. 52157 at 12 noon and arrive at 12.18 pm, No. 52159 at 2.25 pm and arrive at 2.43 pm, No. 52161 at 3.40 pm and arrive at 3.58 pm, and No. 52163 at 5.45 pm and arrive at 6.03 pm.

From Matheran to Aman Lodge, Train No. 52154 will leave at 8.20 am and arrive at 8.38 am. No. 52156 will leave at 9.10 am and arrive at 9.28 am, No. 52158 at 11.35 am and arrive at 11.53 am, No. 52160 at 2 pm and arrive at 2.18 pm, No. 52162 at 3.15 pm and arrive at 3.33 pm, and No. 52164 at 5.20 pm and arrive at 5.38 pm.

Given the larger tourist crowds on Saturdays and Sundays, Central Railway has also fixed a few extra shuttles. Special-1 will leave Aman Lodge at 10.30 am and reach Matheran at 10.48 am, and Special-3 will leave at 1.35 pm and arrive at 1.53 pm. In the opposite direction, Special-2 will leave Matheran at 10.05 am and reach Aman Lodge at 10.23 am, and Special-4 will leave at 1.10 pm and arrive at 1.28 pm.

With the Neral route reopening and the Aman Lodge shuttle continuing, tourists will have several rail options to reach Matheran in the post-monsoon season. Those planning a weekend visit should check the timetable in force before setting out.