Guwahati, 09 December (HS):
Northeast Frontier Railway General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava on Tuesday undertook an extensive review of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, focusing on operational efficiency, heritage conservation and enhanced passenger experience along the UNESCO World Heritage route.
NFR CPRO Kapinjal Kishore Sharma informed on Tuesday that during the visit, the General Manager inspected key sections of the hill railway, reviewed ongoing works and interacted with field officials. At the Tindharia–Rongtong stretch, he examined asset conditions, safety adherence and progress of critical projects. He also inaugurated newly built Diesel Locomotive No. 606, praising the team for its high-quality construction and strong safety standards.
Shrivastava further reviewed maintenance practices across DHR, appreciating the meticulous upkeep of rolling stock, tracks and heritage structures. At Ghum, he inaugurated the extensively upgraded Ghum Museum, calling it a major step toward enriching visitor engagement. Noting rising footfall, he announced plans to add interactive and immersive exhibits showcasing the engineering marvel and history of DHR.
He also flagged off the special centenary run of steam locomotive 806B Queen of the Hills, marking 100 years of its service and reaffirming NFR’s commitment to preserving DHR’s steam heritage. At the Ghum–Sonada section, he evaluated operational systems and safety measures, commending sustained efforts to maintain world-class standards while upholding UNESCO authenticity.
At Kurseong, the General Manager inaugurated Diesel Locomotive No. 607 and unveiled the upgraded Kurseong Archives, expected to benefit researchers, tourists and local residents with improved documentation facilities.
Inspecting passenger interfaces and heritage assets, Shrivastava directed officials to enhance amenities, strengthen operational efficiency and ensure all development aligns with the heritage character of DHR. Emphasising sustained maintenance and innovation, he said DHR must continue to meet global heritage railway benchmarks.
The visit reinforced NFR’s commitment to safeguarding the unique legacy of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway while advancing modern, passenger-friendly improvements for long-term growth.--------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
