Initiative to attract a large number of tourists from Nepal.

Lucknow:

A vintage train that stopped moving for over 30 years now will start its journey once again.

The train will soon run through the thick foliage of the lush green Sal trees in Laxmipur range of Maharajganj forest division which is famous for the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary that has a huge population of antelopes besides rare and endangered birds and wildlife.

The train will run on a 15 kilometer route and will carry eco-tourists through the forest area.

The initiative for this was taken by UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath who wants to give a boost to tourism in eastern UP.

The railway authorities have already completed the survey of the track and found it fit for operations. The vegetation on the track, however, has to be cleared. Mr Manish Singh, divisional forest officer of the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary, said that while the train earlier used to run on steam engine, it will now be driven by a diesel engine between Laxmipur and Ikma. The forest official said that since the area is near Sonauli border with Nepal, it is sure to attract a large number of tourists from Nepal.

The track that runs along Taungya villages also has a parallel road alongside on which there is a heavy movement of people all day through.

The vintage train that used to run on a narrow gauge track had 56 bogies and four engines, apart from a saloon.

Incidentally, the train was started in 1922 to ferry wooden logs and its operations was stopped in 198

source: http://www.asianage.com / The Asian Age / Home> India> All India / December 10th, 2017