The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is implementing new measures to boost operational efficiency, enhance heritage conservation, and elevate the passenger experience on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage site, as announced by officials on Tuesday. NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, revealed that NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava recently conducted a thorough review and inspection of the railway.
The primary goal of this visit was to improve operational efficiency, heritage preservation, and passenger service at the UNESCO-listed railway. Throughout his inspection, Shrivastava meticulously evaluated key sections, engaged with field officials, inaugurated significant new assets, and assessed various developmental initiatives vital for DHR’s long-term preservation and modernization.
Sharma noted that during his visit to the Tindharia-Rongtong section, the General Manager checked the condition of assets, monitored the progress of ongoing projects, and ensured compliance with safety protocols on this strenuous segment. He inaugurated a newly constructed Diesel Locomotive, commending the construction team for their adherence to high-quality standards, robust safety measures, and excellent performance metrics.
Additionally, Shrivastava scrutinized the maintenance practices implemented across DHR and praised the careful upkeep of the rolling stock, track infrastructure, and heritage buildings. He also inaugurated the significantly upgraded Ghum Museum, recognizing it as a crucial improvement in enriching the visitor experience. Emphasizing its cultural importance, he shared plans for further expansion, featuring more informative and interactive exhibits that showcase the engineering marvel and historical significance of the DHR.
In a celebratory gesture, the General Manager launched the special centenary run of the steam locomotive 806B, dubbed the “Queen of the Hills,” marking 100 years of service and illustrating NFR’s dedication to preserving the railway’s iconic steam heritage. While inspecting the Ghum-Sonada section, he reviewed track conditions, operational practices, and safety protocols, commending efforts to uphold world-class safety standards while maintaining the line’s UNESCO heritage authenticity.
At Kurseong, he unveiled a newly constructed diesel locomotive and the updated Kurseong archives, aimed at providing enhanced documentation and historical resources for residents, researchers, tourists, and heritage enthusiasts. During his assessment of passenger facilities and heritage assets, Shrivastava offered detailed insights on enhancing passenger amenities and operational efficiency while ensuring that all development projects respect the railway’s heritage.
He underscored the significance of ongoing maintenance, responsive passenger services, and innovative practices to align DHR with global heritage railway standards. The General Manager’s visit reaffirmed the NFR’s commitment to preserving the unique legacy of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway while advancing initiatives to improve comfort, safety, and the overall travel experience for passengers.
These concentrated efforts and forward-thinking directives are expected to significantly bolster DHR’s long-term vision of harmonizing heritage conservation with modern, passenger-friendly operations. The Northeast Frontier Railway operates in the Northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of northern Bihar.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/12/09/nfr-unveils-plans-to-upgrade-darjeeling-himalayan-railway-experience/
Category: NATIONAL,News Alert,REGIONAL
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Publish Date: 2025-12-09 21:27:00
