Darjeeling Toy Train - At A Glance

Overview of Darjeeling Toy Train

The Toy Train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) is a major attraction for the tourists. UNESCO awarded DHR a World Heritage Status in 1999. This train track was inaugurated on 14th of July in the year 1881. The original engine which pulled the train was steam locomotive. Now it has been replaced by diesel engine which is more powerful than old steam locomotive. However steam engines are still being used especially for joyrides. The Toy Train runs from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling or vice versa on a narrow gauge track. The Train covers a distance of 88 km. The one-way journey takes more than seven hours time to reach its destination. The Toy Train has both first class and second class compartments with toilets in each one of them. Recently two new air-conditioned coaches have been added to the Toy Train running between NJP and Darjeeling (for both Up and Down directions). These new AC coaches are nothing but the up-gradation of old first class coaches which have larger glass windows and comfortable seats.

Starting from New Jalpaiguri, the Toy Train passes through Sukna and then it inclines reaching height of 7407 ft at Ghoom which is the highest station in India. The journey continues passing through loopy as well as zigzag tracks before reaching Darjeeling. The train passes through several townships and there are places where the Toy Train passes adjacent to the main road. Enjoyment of scenic beauty of the Himalaya from the window of Toy Train is a memorable experience for any tourist. Often you can see the local school going kids are hopping on or off the moving train.