Patalpani Kalakund rail section declared heritage site

MHOW: The Indian Railways granted heritage section status to the Patalpani-Kalakund meter-gauge rail line, a move poised to boost tourism and ensure the conservation of the historic railway route.

The announcement came after the Railway Board approved a proposal submitted by the Western Railway, with the declaration taking effect on August 19, 2025.An official order signed by Ashima Mehrotra, the Executive Director (Heritage) of the Railway Board, stated, "Ministry of Railways approves WR's proposal for inclusion of Patalpani-Kalakund MG section in the Heritage list w.e.f August 19, 2025. The updated list is being displayed on the website of the Ministry of Railways."The zonal-level heritage committees have been notified to initiate the necessary actions. A copy of the said order is in possession of TOI.The Patalpani-Kalakund section is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. The 9.5-kilometre route, a part of the Dr Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow)-Khandwa section, offers a captivating journey through the scenic Vindhyachal range mountains. It was initially envisioned by Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar-II in the 19th century and was completed in 1878 as part of the Holkar State Railways.

The line was preserved in its meter-gauge form due to the challenging terrain and was revived as a dedicated heritage service in 2018. The heritage train, which operates on weekends, travels through deep gorges, lush valleys, and several tunnels and bridges, providing passengers with breathtaking views, including the famous Patalpani waterfall. The designation as a heritage section solidifies its place among India's most significant railway lines, standing alongside other famous routes like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Kalka-Shimla Rail line.The new status is expected to further enhance its appeal as a major tourist destination in the region.