Saturday, Sep 21, 2024 07:15 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Sep 21, 2024 01:33 [IST]
The iconic Darjeeling toy train, originally scheduled to
resume service on the NJP-Darjeeling route on September 21, has faced another
delay of 10 days due to natural calamities. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
director Priyanshu Kumar announced that the service is now expected to start on
September 30. The region has been further affected as National Highway 10,
connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong, remains closed following the disaster, raising
concerns about its impact on the tourism industry ahead of Durga Puja.
The persistent heavy rains have caused landslides,
disrupting the vital Siliguri-Sikkim lifeline and causing severe damage to the
railway line in Darjeeling. The NJP-Darjeeling toy train service had already
been halted for months after the tracks were damaged by heavy rainfall in July.
Despite an earlier announcement to resume operations on September 21,
environmental challenges forced a postponement.
This isn’t the first setback for the toy train. It has
experienced prolonged disruptions in the past, including during the political
unrest in the region in 2017 and again during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
monsoon season has added to its challenges, leading to a three-month suspension
this year. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the toy train is a key tourist
attraction, drawing visitors from across the world.
Kumar assured that repair work on the damaged tracks is
ongoing and is expected to be completed soon. However, the disruption has
dampened the spirits of tourists, especially as Durga Puja approaches—a peak
season for mountain tourism. The closure of National Highway 10, which has been
blocked for two days due to erosion caused by the Teesta River, further
complicates the situation. Engineers are working to restore the road, but
progress is slow, particularly in the rocky Shweti Jhora area, where night work
is not feasible.
With the festive season fast approaching and the beloved toy
train service still on hold, the tourism industry faces significant setbacks at
a time when businesses rely heavily on holiday travellers.
