Fresh move to preserve Darjeeling train heritage

Pramod Giri, HT, 18 Sep 2016, SILIGURI: In a bid to preserve the heritage of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and to make it fully functional, the Indian Railways has undertaken work to revive intermediate sidings and railway station yards.

Many of the sidings and yards have become non-functional since ages while some of them were encroached.

The non-functional and encroachment of intermediate sidings and yards are one of the few reasons why DHR despite being accorded world heritage status in 1999 is struggling for its survival. Uninterrupted sidings and yards are required for making the line functional for traffic use and crossing facilities.

An official release of the DHR, which in itself is a rare development, said, “Recently, a number of railway sidings have been reinstated or extended for more punctual and frequent services.”

There is an emphasis that DHR must continue being a fully-functional railway and must preserve its heritage and its outstanding universal values. However, DHR practically has become a showpiece and barring a few special trains running between Darjeeling and Ghoom, the DHR has lost its values and significance. And UNESCO is strictly monitoring whether the Indian Railways is fulfilling the conditions imposed while according world heritage status to DHR.

Restoration of all unused sidings up to maximum possible extent is one of the efforts to pull the DHR out of its present state and ensure the site retains its outstanding universal value, said MD Bhutia, DHR director.

The DHR has successfully revived intermediate sidings at West Point, Batasia, Goethals, Giddapahar, Rongbull, Chatakpur, St. Mary’s and Jorekhola. DHR could also restore Kurseong up yard, making the railway line and loop line available for traffic operation having both side entry facilities. This initiative is also a protection measure against misuse of heritage property.

“It is a great pleasure to see that Kurseong yard is back on track, and fully operational,” said Bhutia.