The dossier comprising all the relevant documents and maps must reach UNESCO in Paris by January 31. “We are working hard on it, but might miss the deadline,” said Rajesh Agarwal, executive director (Heritage) of the Railway Board.

“We have informed the Archaeological Survey of India that we will send the dossier to Paris directly as we are running short of time,” he said.

The indifferent attitude of the CR is partly to blame for the delay. “At present, we need maps of Matheran, which is required whenever an application is made for UNESCO heritage status nomination. The Central Railway is drawing the maps and once we get those, it would be easier for us to prepare the dossier,” Agarwal said. “Early this week, we had asked CR to provide us details such as property management and maps and copies of some presentations pertaining to Neral-Matheran,” he said.

Before the dossier reaches UNESCO, various other aspects need to be checked, such as the exact location, the spellings, cross-check the data given by Central Railway to the railway board and maps.

The Neral-Matheran toy train’s nomination for UNESCO heritage status was to reach Paris last year, but could not due to red tape.

“We have paced up the work. The details demanded by the railway board will reach Delhi before the weekend,” said CR chief spokesperson Shriniwas Mudgerikar.

Opened for traffic in 1904 under an initiative taken by Abdul Hussain, son of business tycoon Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy of Mumbai, a regular visitor to Matheran, the toy train is a part of the famous mountain railways of India.