A brilliant solution to platform length issues at Matheran. The unique MAE-AMNA shuttle waits on (a newly constructed?) extension of the only platform at the Matheran Railway station. This is probably the only station with a (nearly) right angle platform! This train, with a loco at either end (NDM-1A and NDM-6) covers the 4 kms distance between the two adjacent stations in 15 minutes. Five daily services of train will provide vital commuter services between Aman Lodge (where the road for motor vehicles ends) and Matheran town (where motor traffic is not allowed). Previous to these services, visitors arriving in motor vehicles had only two choices – that is to ride a pony or walk. The two brake vans at either end could help in easing the movement of goods into the town from Neral. Unlike the trains from Neral, the MAE-AMNA-MAE services will operate all year round, even during monsoons. (Kaushik Dharwadkar)