INDORE: Taking the heritage project on Patalapani-Kalakund rail section a step forward, the railways now plans to operate a vintage steam engine on this section to give passengers a feeling of returning to the old era .An announcement in this regard was made by railway board member (rolling stock), Rajesh Agrawal during his visit to Kalakund station on Tuesday evening.Agrawal instructed officials of Ratlam division to check the feasibility of including Patalpani-Choral section in this heritage project to develop the entire section as a heritage corridor.Divisional railway manager (Ratlam), RN Sunkar told TOI that an 18th century model steam locomotive is being arranged from Rewari Steam Centre under Northern Railways division for this purpose. "We hope to bring the locomotive on this section soon. Our aim is to have regular steam locomotive operations on this section. This would be an addition in this heritage project and also help us promote tourism," he said.Divisional officials were however, apprehensive about regular operations of the locomotive due to the presence of ghat section between Patapani and Kalakund railway stations. He said, "Even if this plan does not materialise, we will have the steam locomotive operations for a short distance near Kalakund station."The line is on a hilly terrain."We are going to examine Patalpani-Choral section for gradient related issues. If everything goes as per our plan, it can also be included in the heritage project," he said.The railways is observing February as heritage month and to mark this occasion, a ceremonial run was organised by the railways on Patalpani and Kalakund rail section on Tuesday. This 9.5 km long meter-gauge rail section has become popular among passengers ever since it was opened for public on December 25, 2018.

Stay updated with all the Latest Indore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.