Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) revives morning railway service—GetBengal story
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) is all set to reintroduce the early morning service in the Hills from tomorrow, 26th March 2025, evoking nostalgia for the older generation. This initiative will definitely restore a once-popular tradition where locals set their watches to the train’s arrival.
The DHR has also increased the number of joyrides from eight to 13 to accommodate the rising number of tourists eager to experience the historic mountain railway. According to DHR director Rishav Choudhary, there was a demand from the local residents to reintroduce the early morning train services, as they recalled using the train’s arrival to set their watches. In response, we have introduced a new diesel joyride service that will depart from Darjeeling station at 7:15 am, heading towards Ghum station.
Five diesel joyride services were introduced on Monday, but their operations will be formally inaugurated on Thursday, March 27, 2025.The mountain railway is always in demand, and we are hopeful that more joyrides will be introduced based on demand.
The early morning train was the timekeeper for everyone in the Hills. The very first whistle of the train symbolised 7 am for the locals. It left Kurseong station at 7 am and reached Darjeeling around 10:30 am. The train was crucial for students commuting to colleges, milkmen distributing fresh milk to Darjeeling, and individuals handling court-related work.
Out of the 13 joyride services, four will be hauled by steam locomotives while the remaining nine will be operated using diesel engines. The diesel joyride services feature three first-class vista dome coaches with a passenger seating capacity of 89, along with a designated seat for the guard. However, the steam loco joyrides, on the other hand, have two first-class vista dome coaches, accommodating up to 59 passengers with an additional seat for the guard, according to a DHR official.
The interested tourists will have to pay Rs 1,500 for steam-powered joyrides, while the diesel train ride will cost Rs 1,000 to enjoy the scenic journey. The joyride service runs from Darjeeling to Ghum and back, featuring a 15-minute stop at Batasia Loop for visitors to explore the Batasia Eco Garden and Gorkha War Memorial. Additionally, there is a 20-minute halt at Ghum station, allowing tourists to visit the Ghum Museum and immerse themselves in the rich history of the railway.
With these exciting additions, DHR continues to preserve the charm of the mountain railway while catering to the growing enthusiasm of both locals and tourists alike.
