The 87-kilometer route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is a major attraction for domestic and international tourists.
The iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) resumed its toy train services on Sunday (November 17), connecting New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, after a four-month hiatus caused by a massive landslide that damaged its tracks on July 5, 2024.
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The 87-kilometer route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is a major attraction for domestic and international tourists.
Surinder Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Katihar, Northeast Frontier Railway, highlighted the global appeal of the toy train. “DHR toy train services are very popular not only in India but also among International tourists. So, many trial runs are conducted on the track before starts the service following the safety of the passengers. We are going to introduce three more engines soon to start more services on the track,” he said.
Josephine Creswell, an Australian tourist and descendant of George Bekben Creswell, who served as the General Manager of DHR from 1906 to 1916, expressed her excitement.
“It’s very exciting for me that I am going to ride a toy train where my grandfather was the GM. I came last year to explore the history but again came with friends to experience it again. It’s a UNESCO site and an asset. The authorities should put more funds into immediate restoration work after receiving any landslides. Regularisation of the services gives you more tourists as well as the business to the people, residing along with the track,” she said.
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The DHR’s return to service marks a significant step toward revitalising tourism and economic activity in the region, further underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
