In a move aimed at promoting accessible and eco-friendly tourism, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has announced plans to introduce a green electric car service to the historic Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling. The service is designed to help elderly and physically challenged devotees and tourists reach the temple with ease.
The Mahakal Temple, located atop Observatory Hill near Chowrasta, is one of Darjeeling’s most revered spiritual sites. However, the path leading to the temple involves steep and lengthy stairs, making access difficult for many, especially senior citizens and people with mobility issues.
This initiative was confirmed following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent visit to Darjeeling. After personally walking up to the temple to offer prayers, she acknowledged the difficulty faced by many visitors and held discussions with GTA officials about improving access.
“The GTA will very soon introduce a green electric car service to ferry elderly and physically challenged people who are unable to walk to easily reach the temple and offer their prayers,” said Chief Minister Banerjee during her visit.
At present, visitors often rely on taxis or private vehicles to reach the base of the hill, but the final stretch still requires climbing a significant number of steps. The introduction of this eco-friendly transport system is expected to reduce physical strain while also supporting Darjeeling’s broader sustainability goals.
Built in 1782 by Lama Dorjey Rinzing, the Mahakal Temple is unique in its blending of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It features both a Hindu priest and a Buddhist monk performing daily rituals together—an embodiment of the region’s harmonious cultural fabric.
In addition to improving access to the Mahakal Temple, the Chief Minister also announced that a similar Mahakal Temple will be constructed near a proposed convention center in Siliguri. Planning for this project is underway, with land identification currently in progress.
This initiative reflects the government’s broader vision of enhancing inclusivity, religious tourism, and environmental responsibility across the hills and surrounding regions.
