Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to modernize the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway junction

According to sources of the Indian Railways, the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is one of the 204 stations of the country identified for an upgrade. This would translate into excellent features for passenger comfort. This station is the largest of this region and the busiest of the NFR zone. Work has started on shifting of ticket counters along with the parcel and RMS offices. Shifting of the existing parking area is also on the cards. The tentative plan is to finish the work by 2025. That is what the chief public relation officer of NFR informed. NJP, located on the southern end of Siliguri, is among the top 100 stations of India in terms of railway bookings. After the upgrade, the station with its new infrastructure would have the capacity to handle over 70,000 passengers per day. At present, it handles as many as 36,000 passengers on any average day. The introduction of modern amenities would provide an airport-like feel and comfort to passengers. Centre plans NJP railway junction revamp. The station also has the narrow gauge track of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), which is on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. There will now be new foot over-bridges, separate arrival, and departure lobbies.

The business community of this region, including stakeholders of the tourism industry have welcomed the announcement by the NFR. These would give a boost to the local economy and contribute to development of the tourism sector. This happens to be a major industry in the region and is the third major decision made by the Centre to improve infrastructure for better connectivity in the region. A few weeks earlier, the Union minister of road transport and highways initiated the work of a 13-kilometre-long, four-lane road to connect the northeast and northwest ends of Siliguri via Darjeeling More. There are plans on the anvil for the expansion of the Bagdogra airport.

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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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Tour operators are happy vis-à-vis trend of booking in hotels, resorts, homestays and the toy train across the hills

The Bengal tourism industry says nearly 90 per cent of the accommodation in homestays are booked until Diwali. These have mushroomed in different villages across the hills, both in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Tour operators are happy at the trend of booking in hotels, resorts and homestays across the hills. Moreover, reservation for rides in the toy train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) have also boosted their enthusiasm. In their opinion, these are indications about the revival of tourism in the hills, especially during the Diwali and Chhath Puja holidays. It is evident that after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic people are back in the travel mood. When compared to hotel bookings, homestays are doing better. As a veteran in the tourism industry explains - “Even in 2019, homestays were not so popular. But after the pandemic, people prefer to stay in isolated places instead of crowded ones. That is why bookings are so high in these accommodations.” Hill tourism on a festive peak.

The bookings reveal that during Diwali, tourists plan to go to prominent spots like Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong apart from locations like Sonada, Chatakpur, Mirik, Sitong, Lava and Loleygaon. Even lesser known homestays in Mirik like tea estates and orange groves are booked. Moreover, an official of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway DHR reveals there is a huge response from tourists for rides this season. The DHR conducts 12 daily joy rides from Darjeeling station. The return trip from Ghoom covers the Batasia loop and is the most popular ride in the DHR. The tourism industry suffered huge losses because of the pandemic and it hopes return of tourists can boost the industry.

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