A Guide to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

To manage the significant climb from the plains to the mountains, the railway utilizes unique engineering features. The track incorporates six zig-zags and three loops (of which there were originally five) to help the locomotives gain altitude effectively.

One of the most notable points on the route is Ghum station. Situated at an altitude of 2,260 metres, Ghum is recognized as the highest railway station in India.

The origins of the line date back to the late 19th century. In 1878, Siliguri was connected to Calcutta by a metre gauge railway. Before the completion of the DHR, transport between Siliguri and Darjeeling was managed by Tanga services on a cart road.

Construction on the dedicated narrow-gauge line began shortly after the Siliguri connection was established, with the project being completed in 1881. This transition from road to rail transformed travel in the region.

Modern scheduled services on the DHR are primarily handled by six diesel locomotives. However, the railway maintains its traditional roots by offering specific steam-hauled experiences for travelers and railway enthusiasts.

Daily tourist trains run from Darjeeling to Ghum, while the 'Red Panda' service operates between Darjeeling and Kurseong using steam power. For specialized tours, vintage British-built B-Class steam locomotives are used to haul enthusiast specials.

The DHR was the first of India's mountain railways to receive UNESCO World Heritage status. This designation highlights its cultural and historical importance within West Bengal and the broader global community.

Following the DHR's recognition, the UNESCO site was expanded to include two other mountain lines. This collective group preserves the unique rail history of India's high-altitude regions.