By DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA | 26 JUNE 2025
The Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train on Celluloid – Kishore Kumar immortalized the song and the movie sequence with his magical voice. The song from the Bolywood’s iconic film Aradhana still makes the movie buffs nostalgic about Darjeeling Himlayan Railway Toy Train Ride still after 55 years after it was released.
The nostalgic Bollywood song picturized on Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is “Mere Sapno Ki Rani” from the 1969 movie Aradhana. Kishore Kumar sang the song, with music composed by S.D. Burman. The song is famous for its picturization of Rajesh Khanna chasing Sharmila Tagore’s train in a vintage jeep.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India- Eastern Regional Office, Kolkata has happily highlighted the successful completion of a 75-day Incredible India/ Atulya Bharat branding initiative on the UNESCO World Heritage iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train, connecting New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling; From 20th December 2024 to 6th March 2025, this historic narrow-gauge marvel became a vibrant canvas of culture and creativity- blending India’s rich heritage with modern branding to elevate the tourism experience. This initiative drew attention to one of India’s most beloved rail journeys.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India- Eastern Regional Office, Kolkata is happy to highlight the successful completion of a 75-day Incredible India/ Atulya Bharat branding initiative on the UNESCO World Heritage iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train, connecting New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling; From 20th December 2024 to 6th March 2025, this historic narrow-gauge marvel became a vibrant canvas of culture and creativity- blending India’s rich heritage with modern branding to elevate the tourism experience. This initiative drew attention to one of India’s most beloved rail journeys,” said Mr. Pranav Prakash, Deputy Director General and Regional Director ( East) of Ministry of Tourism.
ABOUT :
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the DHR or the Toy Train, is a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. Built between 1879 and 1881, it is about 88 km (55 mi) long. It climbs from about 100 m (328 ft) above sea level at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling, using six zig zags and five loops to gain altitude. Six diesel locomotives handle most of the scheduled service, with daily tourist trains from Darjeeling to Ghum – India’s highest railway station – and the steam-hauled Red Panda service from Darjeeling to Kurseong. Steam-enthusiast specials are hauled by vintage British-built B-Class steam locomotives. The railway’s headquarters are at Kurseong.
On 2 December 1999, UNESCO declared the DHR a World Heritage Site. Two more railway lines were later added, and the site became known as one of the mountain railways of India.
Key Features:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Recognized for its unique engineering and cultural significance.
- Route:
Connects New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, traversing through the scenic Himalayan landscape.
- Joy Rides:
Popular tourist attractions include joy rides between Darjeeling and Ghum, with stops at Batasia Loop and the DHR Museum.
- Engineering Marvel:
The railway’s construction involved innovative solutions to navigate the challenging mountainous terrain.
- Stations:
Includes stations like Sukna, Agony Point, Batasia Loop, and Ghum, the highest railway station in India.
Popular Tourist Activities:
- Joy Rides:
Enjoy scenic rides with steam or diesel engines, taking in the views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscape.
- Batasia Loop:
A scenic loop where the train stops, allowing for views of Kanchenjunga and the Gorkha War Memorial.
- Ghum Station:
A stop at Ghum, the highest railway station in India, with access to the DHR Museum.
- DHR Museum:
A museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Booking Information:
- Online:Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website or app.
- Offline:Tickets can also be purchased at railway counters in Darjeeling, Ghum, Kurseong, or New Jalpaiguri.
- Fares:Joy ride tickets cost INR 1000 for diesel and INR 1600 for steam, while regular fares range from INR 450 to INR 1420, depending on the destination
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