Western Railway Resumes Heritage Train on 155-Year-Old Patalpani–Kalakund Line in Madhya Pradesh.
National
After a temporary halt, Western Railway resumed operation of the heritage train on the historic Patalpani–Kalakund metre-gauge line in Madhya Pradesh in August 2025. This 9.5 km stretch, part of the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar (formerly Mhow)–Khandwa section, dates back to the 1870s, making it nearly 155 years old.
- This heritage line, built in the decades following 1870, was initiated through a loan from the Holkar State, connecting Indore’s capital to Khandwa. The Patalpani–Kalakund section, around 9.5 km long, includes four tunnels, 24 sharp curves, and 41 bridges (six large and 35 smaller). It is a remarkable legacy of engineering from the colonial era.
- The heritage service was first launched on 25 December 2018, when the metre-gauge line was preserved instead of being converted to broad gauge due to challenging terrain. Two trains now traverse the scenic route daily at speeds between 5–10 km/h, showcasing waterfalls, forested gorges, and natural springs.
Main Point :- (i) In July 2025, after a period of suspension due to low tourist footfall, Western Railway restarted the heritage operations, reviving the oldest surviving metre-gauge line still running in central India.
(ii) This route remains one of the six officially recognized heritage lines of Indian Railways, even though formal Railway Board certification is still awaited. Frequently referred to as the Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Line, it draws rail enthusiasts and tourists alike.
(iii) The route’s terrain makes gauge conversion impractical. Thus, Indian Railways opted to preserve the metre-gauge heritage stretch, weaving historic significance and picturesque landscapes to deliver a nostalgic experience.
About Madhya Pradesh
Capital: Bhopal
Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
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