Heritage of Nilgiri Mountains Railway

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(Free-Press-Release.com) December 11, 2010 -- Nilgiri Mountain railway is a significant part of the Southern Railways that was inaugurated as the first railway zone of Indian Railways on April 14, 1951. Extending over the entire Southern Peninsula it is believed to be one of the most prominent, busiest, and largest of Indian Railways Zones.

The captivating beauty of Nilgiri Mountains would have never been experienced if a Syrian Christian priest, Jacome Ferrieri, had not staggered upon the wild forests of this mountainous region in the year 1602. Till that date no one showed the courage to climb those tiresome mountains but he was so highly impressed by the scenic beauty there that he showed a desire to make the area accessible for everyone. It was then that the District Engineer of Nilgiri decided to transform the lonely and wild forest into an attractive tourist destination.

It was then thought to conceptualize a mountain railway to Nilgiri. For several years proposals were made to build the mountain railway but the British mooted all the proposals. After several continuous attempts, it was finally accepted in the year 1880. The job of building a rail up the hills from Mettupalayam was then left to the Swiss inventor of the Rigi system, M.Riggenback. He with his efforts, strategies, engineering skills, and technical know-how gave a completely new shape to the mountain rail.

Work started between Mettupalayam and Coonoor in 1891 and after experiencing many ups and downs it was taken over by the Indian Government on January 1, 1903. Later on, rail started between Coonoor and Fernhill on September 15, 1908 and between Coonoor and Ooty on October 15, 1908.

With this, the beauty of the Nilgirir Mountains was expressed far across, eventually making this hilly region a popular tourist destination. Many tourists come here every year to have a break from the tiresome and hectic daily routine and many to discover the magnificent landscapes. All thanks to Jacome Ferrieri!

There is much more to discover and explore while tracing the roots of Southern Railway To find out more visit http://www.railwayreservation.net/southern-railway.html