DHR a money spinning asset now, thanks to innovative ideas and strategies

The Maligaon-based Northeast Frontier Railway which is the controlling authority of DHR announced the financial performance of the famous toy train. 

EOI, DARJEELING, JANUARY 24, 2024 : Innovative idea and strategies, hard hitting promotion, special services and a loyal following have transformed the loss making Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in to a money spinning asset; with officials recording the highest revenue of Rs.17.3 crore in the current fiscal year. 

The Maligaon-based Northeast Frontier Railway which is the controlling authority of DHR issued a Press release on Wednesday, announcing the financial performance of the famous toy train. 

"In the current financial year till December, 2023 the DHR has recorded the highest ever revenue of Rs.17.3crore, surpassing all previous earnings. It marks the highest ever earning and passenger footfall in the history of the DHR," NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Sabyasachi De. In the last fiscal the DHR had set a record by earningRs.15.28 crore after years of loss in revenue. 

The past record has been surpassed in the current fiscal. Major factors that had helped in the recovery of revenue generation were the increased number of joyrides, the introduction of special services, vistadome airconditioned coaches and providing swanky airport like platforms; among the many initiatives. 

The DHR operates12 joyrides (four on steam engines and eight on diesel locomotives) on the narrow gauge toy train between Darjeeling and Ghoom, and two long distance services between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri, daily. 

 New services like Steam Jungle Tea Safari, Red Panda, HimKanya along with special film shooting and charter trains are on offer. These have helped in generating revenue. A new coach restaurant has been opened in the Darjeeling railway station while a heritage restaurant is operational in the Kurseong station, attracting tourists and locals alike. "We could achieve the increased earnings because of fresh ideas, proper promotion and marketing and offering new services. The huge footfall during thispeak tourist season has also been the factor for the record earning," said De. 

The CPRO said events like the Winter Ghoom Festival that was organized every year from November to December had helped in promoting the DHR. "Local residents and tourists attend the festival with great enthusiasm. Footfall of massive proportions help in promoting tourism and cultural heritage of the DHR section," said De. 

The 16 km joyride between Darjeelingand Ghoom in vistadome coaches offers passengers a 360degree view of the surroundings, a 10-minute break at the Batasia Loop to see the War Memorial and take photographs with the majestic Kanchenjunga in the backdrop and a 25-minute stoppage at Ghoom to see the museum with displays of interesting artifacts and photographs of the DHR. For the joyride on the steam engine and diesel pulled engines, the DHR charges Rs.1500 and Rs.1000 per passenger, respectively.