The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) passenger service between New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Darjeeling will resume on Sunday, November 16, after a four-month hiatus caused by monsoon-related landslides. The service, which was suspended on July 5, had been disrupted due to extensive damage to the railway tracks in several areas along the route, including Paglajhora, Tindharia, and Kurseong.
The suspension followed severe landslides that compromised the safety of the narrow-gauge tracks running parallel to NH110. Major damage occurred near Paglajhora, where about 100 meters of road sank, and additional cave-ins and track shifts left the route unsafe for passengers.
DHR Director Priyanshu confirmed the resumption of service, stating that the final decision would follow a trial run on Saturday, November 15, which was conducted to ensure the tracks’ safety. “A diesel loco trial was completed on Wednesday, and another test run with a full train will take place today,” he said.
The resumption of the toy train service is a significant relief for local residents and the tourism industry, which relies heavily on the route. Samrat Sanyal, General Secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network, expressed optimism about the service’s return. “We are excited for the resumption and will soon submit proposals to improve the service,” he said.
DHR authorities are also preparing for the upcoming Ghoom Winter Festival, scheduled for November 30 to December 8. This year’s event will hold special significance as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
The successful restoration of the tracks marks a positive step forward for both the railway and tourism in the region after a challenging monsoon season
