Bista to take up DHR overhaul with Goyal

TT, 14 August 2019, Siliguri: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has said he will urge railway minister Piyush Goyal to take up appropriate measures for the conservation and modernisation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's toy train service.

Bista, who was here on Tuesday, also claimed that the development and conservation of the DHR could be carried out in a more focused way if a separate railway division or zone was constituted for it.

"People of Darjeeling are emotionally attached to the DHR. Considering their feelings, I have decided to request the Union railway minister to take up a comprehensive overhaul of the toy train service. The upgrade may be carried out for coaches and stations. The service also needs modernisation while keeping its heritage look intact," said the MP.

The Unesco has time and again expressed concern over the conservation of the DHR assets, which include the stations.

At the end of May this year, a three-day workshop was held in Darjeeling. There, international delegates said a comprehensive management plan was required for the conservation of the Himalayan rail.

About a year ago, the railway ministry had signed a memorandum of understanding with Unesco in lieu of which the latter is preparing a Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan for the DHR.

Bista also visited the Kurseong station and spoke to residents and railway officials.

Many have suggested to him to facilitate the reopening of the old printing press of railways in the hill town. "During my visit to Kurseong, locals suggested that the closed railway printing press be converted into a DHR museum. I will talk to the railway minister and request him to consider the proposal," he said.

"There is a need for a focussed approach to develop the DHR. It can be made by constituting a separate division or a zone in the railways," added Bista.

Youth camp The BJP will organise a 10-day camp in Siliguri very soon where 150 youths from villages and tea gardens in the foothills will be trained in moral education, cleanliness drive and some other issues, the MP said here on Tuesday. The participants will be brought in from Naxalbari, Matigara, Chopra and Phansidewa.

"After the training, they will educate their parents, children and neighbours to turn their village into an `Adarsh Gram,'" said Bista..