Darjeeling: Ending a lull of over 22 days, the romance on the hilly tracks is again huffing, puffing and rolling. The steam engine pulled narrow-gauge 'toy train' of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) has been reintroduced for the much-popular joy ride in the Hills.
Officials of DHR have said that suspension of services due to protests by contractual workers of the Railways have been resolved. The trouble, which had halted steam engine services since November 11, has been resolved.
The DHR was accorded the prestigious World Heritage tag by UNESCO on December 5, 1999, and the authorities had lined up several programmes to commemorate the 20th anniversary. The trouble between the Railways and contractual workers involved in the running of the services had marred the celebrations to some extent.
“We are happy that all issues have been resolved and the joy ride with the iconic steam engines are back on service. The six trips of steam engine-pulled joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghum station and the back covering Batasia Loop will be running as usual and all are welcome,” said Suman Pradhan, station manager, Darjeeling.
During the peak tourist season, DHR runs six joy ride trips with steam engines and during the lull period, two with steam engines and four with diesel engines.
“During the past 22 days, we had to run all trips with diesel engines. This was a damper for many tourists, who specially come to enjoy the winters in Darjeeling and this ride is an added attraction. We are happy to give them back their joy,” added Pradhan.
Read:| Citizenship Amendment Bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Dec 9
