DHR to restore 14 coaches designed in British style
Times of India | 8 February 2026
Darjeeling: Tourists can soon get a glimpse of British-era engineering and craftsmanship with Darjeeling Himalayan Railway planning to restore 14 British-style coaches.
The railway will repair 14 Gorakhpur-manufactured coaches that were originally designed in the British style. Among them, three non-heritage coaches will be specially converted into replicas of 1920s British-era coaches, which the DHR currently does not possess. "At present, we do not have a single coach from the 1920s. By reviving this design, we want to attract more tourists even as we carry on DHR's legacy," said DHR director Rishab Choudhary.
Explaining what sets these coaches apart, Choudhary said unlike modern coaches, which usually had the entrances at the ends, British-era coaches featured side entrances. "After four to five cabins, each coach had independent entry and exit points. This unique layout made these coaches special. We want tourists to experience DHR travel in the British era. Within a year, tourists will be able to enjoy the mountain rail on such coaches," he said.
DHR also plans to introduce ‘Wedding on Wheels', through its chartered train services. While the proposal was in initial stages, officials pointed out weddings had been held on DHR trains in the past, albeit informally. "We want to plan it in a more structured manner," Choudhary said. A meeting with stakeholders is slated for Thursday to discuss the proposal and finalise the framework. Choudhary said they planned to attach two flat wagons and two coaches for the events. "We are considering partnership with professional wedding planners," he said.