Coonoor-Ooty Mountain Train Operated with Two Brakemen

The historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway operating between Coonoor and Ooty is currently being operated with two brakemen for its five-coach service. Railway officials said trial runs were conducted with two brakemen before the revised arrangement was introduced.

The century-old mountain railway runs through the scenic Nilgiri hills, forests and tunnels. It attracts tourists from across India and abroad and has received UNESCO heritage recognition.

Brakemen Play Key Role in Mountain Train Operations

Brakemen have an important role in controlling the speed of the train on the steep mountain route. Along with the train`s air-braking system, they operate manual brakes when required.

Based on signals from the locomotive driver, brakemen operate the brake wheels in the coaches to help control the train`s speed. They also keep watch for potential hazards along the mountain route, including fallen trees, mud or rockslides and wildlife.

Two Brakemen Now Assigned to Five-Coach Train

The number of brakemen working on the Coonoor-Ooty mountain train has now been reduced to two. The change has led to requests from some quarters to restore the earlier staffing arrangement, citing the importance of safety on the steep mountain route.

Railway officials, however, said several trial runs with two brakemen had been successfully completed. According to officials, the duties previously handled by five brakemen are now being managed by two under the revised operating arrangement, and passengers need not be concerned about the change.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Remains a Major Tourist Attraction

The Ooty Toy Train, as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is popularly known, is one of the major tourist attractions in the Nilgiris. The journey between Coonoor and Ooty offers passengers views of the hills, forests, curves and tunnels along the historic railway route.

The latest operational change has brought renewed attention to the role of brakemen and the safety procedures followed on the Coonoor-Ooty mountain railway.