DHR to sell souvenirs at stations

MRINALINI SHARMA, TT, Siliguri, Oct. 6: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway will set up souvenir stalls at Darjeeling and Ghoom stations to promote the Unesco world heritage property among tourists.

Narendra Mohan, the area officer of the DHR, said Darjeeling and Ghoom had been chosen as toy trains ran between them.

"The initiative has been taken to popularise the heritage railway among tourists who visit the hills. We will be starting the stalls at Darjeeling and Ghoom stations in the third or fourth week of October. The stalls will be there not only for tourism season but all year round," said Mohan.

Merchandise made by local craftsmen will be stocked at the two stalls that will be run through NGOs and local agents. Items like coffee mugs, key chains, caps, frames, postcards bearing logos and pictures of the DHR and miniature models of the toy-train will be kept for sale.

Scarves, shawls, mittens and mufflers will also be available. However, all the items put up for sale at the stalls will bear the logo of the DHR for authenticity.

"We had kept a stall with DHR-related merchandise at a World Tourism Day programme in Siliguri. The sales were good. This has boosted our enthusiasm for setting up such outlets at the railway stations too. We will keep goods that have been prepared by the local craftsmen to promote their skill and merchandise among the tourists," said Mohan.