Abandoned toy train coaches of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) to become restaurants at four stations

Keeping in mind tourism vis-à-vis toy train enthusiasts, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has hit upon a fine idea. It wants to convert abandoned toy train coaches into restaurants. These will benefit four stations in the district at Sukna, Tindharia, Kurseong and Darjeeling. Sukna is the last station in the plains located around 10km from Siliguri while Darjeeling is the terminal station of the 80km route. The plan could become a reality within a few months. The authorities believe the strategy of having “coach restaurants” on the station compounds will be a big draw for tourists. As an official said – “They can enjoy the experience of sitting in a railway coach while having delectable food and beverages.” Toy train icing on hill restaurant cake.

Already one such restaurant has come up at the New Jalpaiguri station. There an old railway coach has been refurbished with sitting arrangements and a live. The inflow of passengers has increased at the DHR and the tourist seasons usher in a flurry of bookings of different services. One of these is the toy train ride between Darjeeling and Ghoom. Since last year, the authorities have taken initiatives to popularize the toy train. It happens to be a UNESCO-recognized world heritage. This has resulted in new train services like a vista dome apart from quiz competitions, drawing contests and cultural programs. In fact, there is a consistent campaign on various media platforms. A railway official said - “Many people who travel to the hills by road can choose to check out the coach restaurants because of their uniqueness. Similar restaurants have been opened in some other stations of the country and those are quite popular.” In due course of time, private parties can run the restaurants and augment the revenue of the DHR.

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