The iconic Toy Train Heritage Jungle Safari in Darjeeling has been revived after a five-year hiatus, offering tourists a nostalgic journey through the Eastern Himalayas as winter footfall in the hills continues to rise.
The service, relaunched under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, is being operated by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and has been welcomed by stakeholders in the tourism sector. Railway officials said the safari will primarily run on weekends and public holidays to cater to the seasonal rush.
The jungle safari operates on the UNESCO-recognised Darjeeling Himalayan Railway route from Siliguri Junction to Gayabari, passing through tea gardens, forested stretches and mist-covered slopes. Officials said the experience has been designed as a holistic tourism offering, combining scenic travel with curated culinary and cultural elements.
DHR Director Rishabh Chowdhury said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate tourism in the hill region. “This season, we are planning multiple new safari services to further draw tourists. We will also be introducing 15 new toy train engines, with a strong focus on passenger safety and service quality,” he said.
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From the private partner’s side, the safari has been packaged to enhance comfort and leisure. Sanjay Goswami, head of the company involved in operations, said tourists are served breakfast at the start of the journey, followed by a specially arranged picnic at Gayabari. “Traditional Darjeeling favourites like momos will also be available, so tourists can savour the local taste along with the landscape,” he added.
Manoj Kumar Singh, Assistant Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) of the Katihar Division under the Northeast Frontier Railway, said the project aims to highlight lesser-known destinations in the region.
He said access for general tourists has been ensured despite the PPP model. Of the three coaches, two have been allotted to private operators and one to the railways, with a total seating capacity of 52. The railway fare has been fixed at Rs 500 for a single route and Rs 1,000 for the complete tour, while private operators are offering an all-inclusive package priced at Rs 2,199 per person. “Tourist safety has been fully ensured,” Singh said.
Visitors have welcomed the revival with enthusiasm. Praveen Agarwal, a tourist, said, “I feel very good. I travelled earlier when I was younger. Now, at this age, having everything arranged is wonderful. We can simply relax with our family and enjoy the beauty of these hills. It truly feels special.”
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