The UNESCO Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) of N. F. Railway has marked highest ever earnings and passenger footfalls in the history of DHR during May this financial year 2023-24. The DHR has recorded the highest ever monthly revenue generation of nearly Rs. 3.57 crores during May, 2023.This is an increase of 11.92% in comparison of 3.19 crores which was achieved in May, 2022.The increased earning was achieved because of introduction of more joyride services. Huge footfall during this peak season of tourist flow in the section and growth in the passenger traffic led rise in the earning.
In May, 2023 a record number of 30,303 passenger footfall was also registered, which is highest ever for a month of joyride trains. This is an increase of 12.61% in comparison of 26,909 which was registered in May, 2022. The average passenger footfall of joyride trains was 920 in the month of May, 2023.
Presently, daily service between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and Joy Ride services are being operated between Darjeeling and Ghum in the DHR.The DHR also introduced special services like Steam Jungle Tea Safari, Red Panda, Him Kanya etc. Charter Trains, Special Film Shooting Trains, Heritage Dining Car are also some attractive services being offered in the DHR.A new Coach Restaurant has been opened at Darjeeling and a Heritage Restaurant in Kurseong to attract more tourists in DHR.
Several initiatives have also been taken for the promotion of DHR in the country and abroad. To boost the tourism, new coaches were introduced and new services were launched. Darjeeling station is being upgraded with new features like heritage type windows, Kanchenjunga view point etc. Up gradation of Ghum station is also under process. Partnering with stakeholders, tour operators, cultural groups, local population etc. are being done regularly to preserve its conservation and promote heritage value.
