Mark Twain described his journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) in 1895 as "the most enjoyable day I have spent on earth, mixed ecstasy of deadly fright and unimaginable joy."
Established in 1881, this engineering marvel offers a thrilling ride through picturesque landscapes, gaining elevation through loops, turns, and zigzags. It is recognized as Asia's oldest narrow gauge railway and begins its 88-kilometer journey in New Jalpaiguri at around 100 meters (330 feet). The train then ascends to Ghum at an impressive height of 2,258 meters (7,407 feet) before ultimately arriving in Darjeeling.
After a four-month pause due to a devastating landslide on July 5, 2024, the DHR is back, inviting locals and tourists to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas once more. The renowned railway resumed its 'toy train' services on November 17, restoring the connection between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling.
The 87-kilometre route, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is a major attraction for domestic and international tourists. After a landslide disrupted operations, the Northeast Frontier Railway worked diligently to repair the damaged tracks. Several trial runs were conducted to ensure passenger safety before the route reopened. Surinder Kumar, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Katihar, Northeast Frontier Railway, emphasised the global popularity of the toy train. “The 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,” he said.
Authorities also plan to introduce three new engines to expand services. This commitment underscores the importance of the toy train for tourism and the local economy. The train crisscrosses along the Hill Cart Road, which involves over 150 crossings, runs along loops tracing a full circle to finish some 20 feet higher, and manoeuvres the infamous Z-Reverse—moving forward, reverse, and forward again on a "Z" layout—to gain altitude.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. It is part of the Mountain Railways of India, which consists of three remarkable rail routes in different parts of the country that were recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their historical significance and iconic infrastructure. Originally constructed between 1879 and 1881, this narrow-gauge train transported passengers and freight between Darjeeling and Siliguri. A significant revenue source during its early days, it played a crucial role in ferrying essential commodities such as grain from the plains to the hills while bringing back sought-after products like tea, oranges, ginger, and cardamom.