Shrivastava reviews key mountain sections, inaugurates new diesel locos, upgraded Ghum Museum and Kurseong Archives to boost heritage railway’s safety and visitor experience
Guwahati, Dec 12: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) general manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava has carried out a comprehensive inspection of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), combining a detailed safety and operations review with a push for heritage conservation and improved passenger experience on the UNESCO World Heritage mountain railway.
During the visit, Shrivastava examined the Tindharia–Rongtong section, assessing asset condition, progress of ongoing works and adherence to safety protocols on the challenging hill stretch.
He also reviewed maintenance practices across DHR, including rolling stock, track infrastructure and heritage structures, and lauded officials for the “meticulous upkeep” of critical assets.
The NFR GM inaugurated newly built diesel locomotive No. 606, highlighting its construction quality, safety standards and performance parameters.
Further up the line, he inaugurated the extensively upgraded Ghum Museum, terming it a key step in enhancing visitor engagement.
Noting the museum’s rising footfall and cultural significance, he announced plans to expand it with more informative, interactive and immersive exhibits that will showcase the engineering and historical legacy of the hill railway.
In a major heritage highlight, Shrivastava flagged off a special centenary run of steam locomotive 806B, “Queen of the Hills”, to mark 100 years of its service. The run, officials said, underscores NFR’s commitment to preserving DHR’s iconic steam heritage even as it pursues modernisation.
Inspecting the Ghum–Sonada section, the GM reviewed track conditions, operational practices and safety systems, and praised efforts to maintain “world-class safety” while retaining the authenticity required of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
At Kurseong, he inaugurated diesel locomotive No. 607 and unveiled the upgraded Kurseong Archives, which are expected to serve local residents, researchers, tourists and heritage enthusiasts with improved documentation and historical resources.
Shrivastava also inspected passenger interfaces, operational facilities and heritage assets across the route, issuing detailed instructions to officials on improving amenities, strengthening operational efficiency and ensuring that all developmental work remains sensitive to the railway’s heritage character.
He stressed sustained maintenance, responsive passenger services and continuous innovation to keep DHR aligned with global heritage railway standards.
NFR officials said the visit has reaffirmed the railway’s commitment to protecting the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s unique legacy while pushing initiatives that enhance comfort, safety and overall travel experience for passengers.
His directives are expected to support DHR’s long-term vision of combining heritage conservation with modern, passenger-friendly operations.
