Regular railway services on the historic Matheran Hill Railway route between Neral and Aman Lodge have been suspended for the monsoon season, with operations set to remain halted from June 15 until October 15. The precautionary measure has been implemented by Central Railway to ensure passenger safety during the period of intense rainfall that typically affects the hill station and its surrounding regions.
The suspension has been applied specifically to the Neral–Aman Lodge section, which is particularly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions during the monsoon months. Railway authorities stated that operational safety had been prioritised due to the challenges posed by heavy rain, reduced visibility, waterlogging, and the possibility of landslides along the route.
Despite the temporary closure of the lower section, connectivity to Matheran has been maintained through the continued operation of shuttle train services between Aman Lodge and Matheran Railway Station. These services have been retained to support both tourist movement and local transportation needs during the monsoon period. Weekend special services have also been scheduled to accommodate increased visitor traffic on Saturdays and Sundays.
Alternative travel arrangements have been made available to ensure uninterrupted access to the hill station. Travellers arriving at Neral can continue their journey by road to Dasturi Naka using shared taxi services. From Dasturi, passengers can proceed to Aman Lodge and board the operating shuttle trains to reach Matheran. Visitors travelling by private vehicles have also been advised to utilise the designated parking facilities available at Dasturi before continuing onward.
Additional transport options have been highlighted for tourists seeking alternative ways to reach Matheran. Horse rides, e-rickshaw services, and pedestrian pathways remain accessible from Dasturi, offering multiple choices for completing the final leg of the journey.
The annual suspension of the Neral–Aman Lodge section has become a standard monsoon safety practice, reflecting the unique operational challenges associated with running railway services through the Western Ghats during periods of intense rainfall. By maintaining the Aman Lodge–Matheran shuttle services, railway authorities have sought to balance safety requirements with the continued accessibility of one of Maharashtra’s most popular hill destinations.
Tourists planning monsoon visits to Matheran have been advised to account for the revised travel arrangements and make use of the available shuttle services and road connectivity options during the suspension period. The regular Neral–Aman Lodge train operations are expected to resume after October 15, subject to weather conditions and safety assessments.