Chug with the 'Captain'... Special official on toy train

A toy train in the hills. Picture by Passang Yolmo

BIRESWAR BANERJEE, TT,  Jun 23, 2018, Siliguri: A "Captain" will be on the deck of the Darjeeling toy train.

A ticket inspector with the new designation has been posted on the train to coordinate with the other rail staff, including the driver and the guard, and look after the passengers' amenities. The NJP-Howrah Shatabdi Express will also have a Captain

The Captain has been provided with an armband and a cap so that passengers can easily identify him. The official, sources said, will ensure cleanliness, functioning of electrical fittings and food quality.

"The presence of a Captain will help passengers travel without hassles. Earlier, passengers facing any inconvenience on board had to look for an official to register complaints. Now, with a dedicated official , it will help to resolve issues faster," an official said.

On Friday, Prem Kumar was the Captain when the toy train left New Jalpaiguri station two hours late at 11am. Many among the 48 passengers in the three coaches, including an AC bogey, turned impatient.

When some of the passengers approached Kumar, they were told that the train did not have the signal to leave. "There was no major problem but some passengers got impatient and approached the Captain," said a source.