Darjeeling has become synonymous with three things — tea, panoramic views of the Himalayas, and the ‘Toy Train’. While the primary mode of transport between this hill town and the plains of Siliguri remains share-taxis and buses, the Toy Train continues to offer a nostalgic journey through a landscape steeped in history.
A legacy on rails
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), or the ‘Toy Train’, is not merely a mode of conveyance but a living, breathing memory of a bygone era, a feat of remarkable engineering, and a piece of India’s colonial history.
Built between 1879 and 1881, this railway stretches approximately 88 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. It was conceived by Sir Franklin Prestage as a bold stroke against the formidable terrain, designed to facilitate the transport of tea and passengers and, by extension, the expansion of British influence.
Among the four railway stations in India that have been accorded the UNESCO ‘World Heritage’ tag, the DHR resonates with its narrow-gauge tracks, a mere two feet wide, snaking their way through the hills, clinging to the mountainside like a delicate thread.
The loops and reverses, particularly the iconic Batasia Loop near Ghum — India’s highest Railway Station at 2,258 metres (7,407 ft) above sea level — once allowed the 0-4-0ST B-Class engines to climb the hilly terrain.
However, today a large section of the narrow gauge track remains unused and the steam engine is used as a tourist attraction plying between Darjeeling and Ghum.
Engineering marvel: Taming the terrain
Building the DHR was an incredible feat of engineering, driven by Victorian-era innovation. The steep slopes and sharp curves made construction extremely challenging, requiring creative solutions that were way ahead of their time.
The narrow-gauge track was crucial for navigating the tight bends that standard-gauge railways could not handle. Ingenious design elements, such as loops and reverses — most notably the Batasia Loop — helped the train climb steep slopes in a controlled manner. These features were meticulously planned to match the terrain’s contours and the limitations of the locomotives.
The ‘B’ class steam locomotives were the true workhorses of the DHR, compact yet mighty, built to conquer the unforgiving mountain terrain. Designed specifically for the DHR, these little engines packed a surprising amount of power, their 0-4-0ST wheel arrangement gripping the narrow-gauge tracks with precision. Navigating hairpin bends and steep inclines that would have halted larger trains, they became an engineering marvel of their time.
Though today they are seen as relics of the past, these steam-powered locomotives once stood at the forefront of innovation, proving that size was no barrier to strength.
Darjeeling Toy Train: What to expect?
Today, the Darjeeling Toy Train serves as a major tourist attraction, ferrying enthusiastic passengers on a journey that echoes the past.
Even if you miss out on booking a ride on the train, you’d rarely miss it chugging along the road with its distinct whistle and plumes of smoke, as a worker adds coal to the fire.
As the train ascends, the landscape unfolds in a panorama of breathtaking beauty. Lush tea gardens carpet the hillsides, verdant forests cloak the slopes, and quaint buildings dot the landscape. The train becomes a moving observatory, crafted from an object long forgotten by time.
Edited by Khushi Arora
