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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Durga Puja for Bengalis usually means a trip to the hill station of Darjeeling

This year, the government of Bengal has declared 10 days holiday for the Durga Puja. Obviously, there is a rush to book hotels in the hill station of Darjeeling. It seems already more than 70 per cent of hotel rooms in this favorite tourist destination are already booked. Darjeeling is located in northern West Bengal. The economy of the region depends on tourism. During the pandemic lockdown, tourism suffered in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong apart from the forests of the Dooars. In view of reduction in coronavirus cases, revival of businesses would now be on the cards. New Jalpaiguri is the gateway to the region and tickets of trains are not available. Occupancy rate of hotel rooms have improved. It seems the region witnessed good footfalls during the summer holidays and hoteliers expect the trend to continue during the forthcoming festive season. Hotels nearly full as north Bengal braces for 'revenge travel' during Durga Puja. Apart from hotels, there is also an increase in demand of homestays.

The 10-day Durga Puja holiday for employees of the Bengal government, coupled with 'revenge travelling,' has prompted this massive demand. That is the opinion of the tourism industry. The surge is in 'revenge travel' because people are trying to make up for vacations lost during the pandemic. This has led to considerable escalation of hotel prices. An official of the West Bengal Tourism's Jaldapara Tourist Lodge says all rooms of the property are fully booked. Efforts are on to create a special menu for the guests. In order to tackle the rush of tourists, there will be special trains between Kolkata and New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. As for the joy rides in the famous toy trains, the Northeast Frontier Railway has decided to operate four new rides in Darjeeling during the festive season. These will operate between Darjeeling and Ghum.

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