'Chaiyya chaiyya' train not to chug anymore

Coimbatore, November 4: The Nilgiris Mountain Railway (NMR) train of 'Chaiyya chaiyya' fame will soon cease to chug as the good old steam engine is set to give way to diesel locomotives to meet the increasing flow of tourists to the hill resort town of Ooty.

A series of tests and trials of the diesel locomotive with five coaches was held between Mettupalayam and Hillgrove stations on Saturday, Southern Railway officials said.

Use of diesel locomotives on NMR would help in operating more number of coaches between Mettupalayam and Coonoor, about 20 km downhill from Udhagamandalam, than in steam operated trains, thereby catering to more tourists and locals.

Mani Ratnam shot the popular 'Chaiyya chaiyaa' song of his film 'Dil Se' featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora atop a train on this line.

Also, the reliability of train services can be improved, thereby avoiding delays in train services, the officials said.

(with PTI inputs)