Darjeeling toy train carrying tourists goes off tracks
Times of India | 2 January 2024
SILIGURI: A steam loco of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) was derailed at Mary Villa Kakjhora in Darjeeling on Monday afternoon. This is the third time that a DHR loco went off the tracks, officials said. CPRO Northeast Frontier Railways Sabyasachi De said there was no casualty. Till reports last came in, work was underway to put the loco back on tracks
"A steam engine of the joy ride services got derailed between Darjeeling and Ghum on Monday afternoon. There were 59 passengers on board the two coaches. However, none has been injured. The recovery van has reached the spot," said De.
The DHR operates 12 joy ride services and all were booked till January 1. However, the services will be reduced by January 5 as tourist numbers gradually decrease in the Hills. Among the eight services, four will be hauled by diesel engines and four by steam. The DHR had increased the frequency of the joyride services from December 21 so that more tourists could avail of the the mountain railway journey during Christmas and new year festivities, a railway official said.
Apu Roy, a tourist from Burdwan, said, "I have come to Darjeeling on a three-day trip with my family. My wife wanted to take a tour on the toy train. The sudden derailment has left us shaken. However, we are all fine."
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