TTT NEWS NETWORK
DARJEELING | 18 APRIL 2026
In a unique and collaborative effort to boost voter awareness, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has partnered with the Office of the District Election Officer, Darjeeling, for a “Mega SVEEP” (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) event held on 17th April 2026. This initiative aims to promote democratic engagement and encourage informed participation across all sections of society in connection with the upcoming General Election to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly (WBLA) 2026.
As a key partner in this landmark event, the DHR hosted a significant phase of the programme at the iconic Darjeeling Railway Station, beginning at 10:45 a.m. The proceedings commenced at the historic Darjeeling Railway Station, which served as the primary hub for the day’s activities. The atmosphere was charged with civic enthusiasm as local authorities and railway officials gathered to underscore the importance of every vote.
The event began with the arrival of distinguished guests, followed by the traditional ceremonial offering of khada and the lighting of the lamp — symbolising the enlightenment of the electorate. Attendees were treated to a vibrant cultural performance headlined by a welcome dance presented by the Sherpa cultural team, beautifully blending local heritage with the spirit of civic duty.
A large-scale signature campaign was also launched on-site, with officials and citizens alike pledging their commitment to an informed and ethical voting process. The centrepiece of the partnership was the flagging off of the “Democracy Express”,a special DHR train commissioned specifically to carry the message of electoral participation beyond the station walls. The train travelled from Darjeeling Station towards the world-famous Batasia Loop, serving as a moving symbol of democracy in action.
By harnessing the charm of the iconic UNESCO World Heritage toy train, the initiative successfully captured the attention of both local residents and tourists, transforming a scenic railway journey into a powerful statement on the significance of the 2026 General Election.
The collaboration between the DHR and the District Election Authorities reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that no voter is left behind. By weaving together cultural elements with the region’s most celebrated landmark, the Mega SVEEP event transformed a standard government mandate into a community-driven celebration of democratic rights
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