Darjeeling toy train resumes full-fledged operations
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), popularly known as the toy train, resumed its full operations today, chugging its way to the Queen of the Hills from the New Jalpaiguri station, after 188 days of service suspension due to Gorkhaland agitation.
The toy train covered the entire route, spanning 90 kilometre, today but there were barely any passengers, the traffic in-charge of DHR, SK Ghosh, said. He hoped that in the coming days, the service will pick up pace and make up for the losses it incurred during the Gorkha unrest.
“People are still skeptical about visiting the hill town. Only a few passengers had boarded the train today. I hope the crisis will be over in a few days and the service will make up for the losses it incurred in the past few months,” he said.
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had called for an indefinite shutdown in the hills in June, demanding a separate state. The bandh that lasted for 104 days was lifted after home minister Rajnath Singh made an appeal to the Bimal-Gurung-led party to end the agitation.
A part of the hill track, between Siliguri and Darjeeling, was made operational on October 15 but the trains could not run the full distance back then as landslides triggered by heavy showers had blocked the route, New Jalpaiguri station manager Tapan Saha said.
The toy train service, which earned UNESCO World Heritage tag in 1999, has always been a big attraction for tourists visiting this eastern hill town.
You might also like
The Monsoon Calling Reasons Galore To Explore India in the Monsoon
India is a land of rich diversity. It has several seasons, each having its own charm. Coming as it does after the Summer, the Monsoon is one of the best
Developing Ram Van Path Gaman Tourism Circuit to boast tourism
Chhattisgarh is regarded as the nanihal (mother’s birthplace) of Lord Ram. It is also the place where Lord Ram along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman spent most of
GST in Force, Tourism Industry Struggles with Compliance Issues
With Goods and Services Tax (GST) coming into force from July 1, many industries including travel and tourism industry are facing the compliance challenges that GST has brought along. Biggest
