Coimbatore-Bengaluru double-decker train from June 10

The double-decker Uday express from here to Bengaluru would be flagged off on June 10 by union minister of state for railways Rajen Gohain, Salem divisional railway manager U Subbaro Rao said today.

He said the minister would also dedicate a passenger lift for platforms 3 and 4 at the junction.

The official, who was here for an inspection, said both the lift and UDAY express were ready for for the inaugural.

A press release issued here said Southern Railway has decided to introduce a weekly trip by the heritage Nilgiris mountain rail on Fridays and Saturdays.

The train would take tourists from Udhagamandalam, formerly Ooty, to the town of Ketti and back, it said.

The service is in addition to the trip between Mettupalayam and Coonoor during weekends, the release said.

"The additional special train would be run on a trial till the first week of July and if the patronage is encouraging, we will run it throughout the year," it said.

The one-and-a-half-hour journey would include a trip to Ketti with a half-an-hour break in the town and then return to Ooty, the release said, adding that the train would have a diesel locomotive and passengers can buy tickets at the Udhagamandalam station, he said.

The tickets are priced at Rs 300 each for passengers travelling by second-class and Rs 400 for those choosing the first-class, the release said.

A welcome drink or a soup, snacks and a souvenir would be offered, it said, adding that the train can accommodate 82 passengers.

"The railways plan to introduce steam locomotives, if such locomotives are made available," the release further said.