Business
This Slowest Train Moves At 9 kmph And Offers A Heavenly Journey
India’s Slowest Train: In an age where speed defines travel, one Indian train proves that slowing down can be the real thrill. Officially India’s slowest passenger train, the Nilgiris Mountain Railway moves at 9 km per hour, but delivers one of the most unforgettable rail journeys anywhere in the country.
Running between Mettupalayam and Ooty (Udagamandalam) in Tamil Nadu, this heritage train shows passengers that the beauty of a journey often lies in how long it lets you breathe it in.
A Heritage Ride Through The Blue Hills
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Mountain Railways of India, the Nilgiris Mountain Railway stands as a living piece of history and a cherished symbol of India’s railway heritage.
Built in the early 1900s, the narrow-gauge toy train uses a rare rack-and-pinion system to climb the steep slopes of the Western Ghats. It is an engineering marvel that has stood the test of time.
The train’s slow pace is not a limitation but a necessity. The route winds through narrow valleys, sharp bends and steep gradients carved into the Nilgiri hills, demanding caution and precision.
As the train climbs, passengers are treated to a journey that feels suspended between past and present, enhanced by steam locomotives and old-world wooden coaches that echo another era.
Stations, Scenery And A Five-Hour Escape
Covering a distance of about 46 kilometres over nearly five hours, the train stops at hill stations such as Hillgrove, Coonoor, Wellington, Aravankadu, Lovedale and Ketti. Each stop adds to the sense of timelessness, offering brief glimpses into quiet hill-town life.
Along the way, the landscape unfolds in layers. Dense forests give way to misty slopes, waterfalls spill down rocky faces and tea plantations stretch endlessly across the hills. The journey passes through 208 curves, 16 tunnels and around 250 bridges, making every kilometre feel like a carefully crafted postcard.
A Bollywood Moment Frozen In Time
The Nilgiris Mountain Railway also holds a special place in popular culture. It became iconic after featuring in the song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from the 1998 film ‘Dil Se’.
Shot with Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora dancing atop the train, the sequence remains one of Bollywood’s most memorable visuals.
Sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi, the song was filmed on the same train, temporarily painted brown for the shoot. Its slow speed played a key role in making the daring choreography possible, though performers were secured with safety harnesses throughout.
More Than A Train Ride
For most travellers, the Nilgiris Mountain Railway is about slowing down, watching the hills rise and enjoying the journey as it progresses.
In a world obsessed with arrival times, India’s slowest train offers the freedom to enjoy the journey itself.
Business
Co-op boss quits after ‘toxic culture’ claims reported by BBC
Co-op chair Debbie White said: “We thank Shirine for her leadership and for the significant contribution she has made to our Co-op, to our communities and to the co-operative movement during her tenure. The Board is grateful for her commitment and leadership, particularly during a challenging few years, and we wish her every success in the future.”
Business
Airfares likely to doubled as jet fuel price aurges to Rs417 in Pakistan – SUCH TV
Air travel is all set to become highly expensive as the airlines are indicating at doubling the air ticket prices following a whopping increase in jet fuel rate.
The jet fuel price has rocketed to Rs417 from Rs388 per litre in Pakistan and the airlines have started to increase the airfares through enhancing fuel surcharge rates.
The airlines maintained the basic fare but added the fuel price surge into the fuel surcharge.
The one-way fare from Karachi to Islamabad and Lahore has shot up to Rs40,000 while air travel on chance seats for Islamabad and Lahore has soared by 150 percent.
Accordingly, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has boosted the airfares by 10 to 100 dollars.
Domestic flights will now carry additional $10 fuel surcharge which on Canada routes extra $100 will be received as fuel charge.
Passengers on UK-bound flights to pay 75 dollars additional surcharge while 50 dollars will be received on Middle East routes.
Private airlines have gone a step ahead as they enforced charging additional 15 dollars to 150 dollars on different routes.
The airlines were under pressure after closure of many air routes with the airlines administrations are saying that extraordinary rise in airfares has become inevitable.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan fuel NOTAM forced foreign airlines to tanker Jet A-1 fuel from abroad and limit uplift at Karachi and Lahore airports.
The Pakistan Airports Authority issued the order to protect local supplies amid supply disruptions.
Foreign carriers now arrive with enough fuel for their return flights while Pakistani airlines receive full requirements.
This change hit operations on March 25 when one Karachi-to-Doha flight diverted to Muscat.
The Pakistan fuel NOTAM A0147/26 took effect on March 13 and runs through March 31 2026. It targets Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.
Airlines follow the rule and carry maximum fuel on inbound legs. Officials confirm foreign airlines get only the minimum quantity inside Pakistan.
Pakistan fuel NOTAM creates immediate changes on the ground. Foreign airlines offload passenger baggage and cargo to stay within weight limits.
The extra fuel adds weight that reduces payload capacity on every affected flight.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA, the supply of aviation fuel at domestic airports has been significantly curtailed due to regional supply chain disruptions, advising international carriers to maximize their fuel “uplift” at foreign stations and minimize refuelling within Pakistan.
The directive has already begun to impact international flight schedules.
Business
NS&I set to pay millions to customers over misplaced funds
The government-backed bank has been accused of a series of errors, including not paying bereaved families money that was rightfully theirs.
Source link
-
Fashion1 week agoSales at US apparel, clothing accessories stores up 4% YoY in Jan 2026
-
Tech1 week agoJustice Department Says Anthropic Can’t Be Trusted With Warfighting Systems
-
Entertainment1 week agoVal Kilmer revived 1 year after death through AI
-
Sports1 week agoMarch Madness 2026 – How to watch in SA, start time, schedule, TV channel for NCAA championship basketball tournament
-
Business1 week agoStocks and pound rise as US rate call approaches
-
Business1 week agoBrits cashing in jewellery as gold price hits record high
-
Politics1 week agoIran strikes Tel Aviv with cluster-warhead missiles in retaliation of Larijani’s martyrdom
-
Fashion1 week agoUS’ G-III Apparel’s FY26 sales fall 7% to $2.96 bn
