The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has announced plans to restore 14 British-era heritage coaches of its iconic toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to attract tourists to Bengal’s Himalayan region.
For visitors, the heritage toy train is more than a mode of transport; it represents a living link to the colonial past. Over time, technological upgrades have replaced steam engines with diesel locomotives, introduced modern coaches, and renovated hill stations. Yet, the nostalgic appeal of the historic toy train continues to draw tourists from across India and abroad.
Last year, two heritage diesel locomotives, NDM Class 6 engines 606 and 607, were transported from Bengaluru to Darjeeling. Another heritage engine, previously stationed at the Tindharia workshop, was repaired and returned to service. Building on these efforts, DHR now plans to revive the heritage coaches to complement the restored engines.
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Speaking on the initiative, DHR Director Rishabh Chowdhury said, “The history of the toy train is what attracts tourists the most. They want to experience how it operated during the British era. That is why three British-era steam engines were restored from the museum and brought back on the tracks. Now, we are also reviving 14 heritage coaches, which will be repaired within a year and made available for tourists.”
Tourism stakeholders welcomed the move. Raj Basu, convenor of the Association for Conservation and Tourism, called it commendable, while Sadhan Roy of the Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators Association said the revival would add special value to Darjeeling tourism and allow visitors to connect with history.
Once restored, the coaches are expected to offer a unique journey through Darjeeling’s scenic hills, blending nostalgia, history and natural beauty on the legendary narrow-gauge tracks.
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