Heritage Train Patalpani-Kalakund Line in MP | 04 Aug 2025

Why in News? 

Indian Railways has resumed the operation of the historic (155 year old) Patalpani-Kalakund heritage train in Madhya Pradesh after a temporary suspension due to a drop in tourist footfall.  

Key Points 

• Origin of the Line: The line (Indore to Khandwa) was originally proposed by Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar II (reign 1844-1886) of Indore in the 19th century, completed in 1878 under Holkar State Railways, and later merged with the Rajputana-Malwa Railway.  
  • The need for a railway line in the area was recognised in the 19th century, with the establishment of the princely state of Indore, under the house of the Holkars, as a British protectorate in 1818. 
  • The railway station at Patalpani was the first to be constructed on the line, between 1874 and 1878. 
• Location: The Patalpani-Kalakund line, located in the Dr Ambedkar Nagar-Khandwa section, has been operational as a heritage train since 2018.  
  • Despite the challenge of not being converted to broad gauge due to the difficult terrain, this 9.5 km meter-gauge line has been preserved for its historical and scenic value. 
• Uniqueness: The route covers deep gorges, high embankments, tunnels, and natural springs, including the famous Patalpani waterfall (on the Choral River, a tributary of the Narmada).