Toy train resumes service, suffers engine breakdown on maiden run to Darjeeling

EOI, SILIGURI, NOVEMBER 17, 2024 :  After four and a half months of disruption, the iconic toy train service in the Darjeeling hills resumed on Sunday. However, the much-anticipated day was marred by an engine breakdown, leaving passengers stranded in the forested area between Tindharia and Chunavati.

The engine reportedly came to a sudden halt with a loud noise near Tindharia, leaving the toy train stationary in the middle of a dense forest. A section engineer accompanying the train immediately began repairs, and efforts to restore the service were on till the evening.

The toy train line had been out of service since a landslide disrupted the track between Rangtong and Tindharia earlier this year. While National Highway No. 55 was repaired relatively quickly, the restoration of the railway line progressed at a slow pace. Under pressure from UNESCO, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) authorities hired additional personnel to expedite the work, leading to the resumption of service on Sunday.

The inaugural trip, which began from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, carried 36 passengers, including six foreign tourists. The journey initially went smoothly, with the train reaching Rangtong without incident. However, the engine faced challenges as the train struggled to ascend the steep incline toward Tindharia, slowing down significantly and taking over 20 minutes to cover the distance.

Tourists on board were reportedly delighted with the scenic journey until the engine failure occurred. The train came to a halt on the way to Chunavati, prompting immediate communication with the DHR headquarters for assistance.

Despite the delay, passengers, including the foreign tourists, remained patient, expressing admiration for the toy train’s historic charm. However, the unexpected breakdown has raised concerns about the reliability of the service, especially since the toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant tourist attraction.

Efforts to repair the engine are currently underway, and the DHR has assured passengers that steps are being taken to prevent similar issues in the future. While the resumption of the service is a significant milestone, the incident highlights the need for continued maintenance and operational efficiency to uphold the legacy of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways.