DHR reintroduces 7:15 am train service in Darjeeling

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) is bringing back an early morning train service to cater to local residents, especially the elderly who remember using the train to set their watches. This new service will depart from Darjeeling at 7:15 am and head to Ghum station. DHR director Rishav Choudhary noted that many locals had expressed a desire for the morning service. It reminded them of how important the train was to their daily lives. Retired employee Saran Pradhan shared that the morning train was essential for students, milkmen, and others in the community. It helped keep everyone on schedule. In response to growing tourist interest, DHR has also increased the number of joyride services from eight to 13. Five new diesel joyride services will start on Monday, with formal operations beginning Thursday. Choudhary mentioned that if demand stays high, more joyrides could be added. Among the 13 joyride services, four will use steam locomotives and the rest will be diesel. The joyrides will run between Darjeeling and Ghum, with stops at the Batasia loop and Ghum Museum. Tickets for the steam joyrides cost Rs 1,500, while diesel tickets are priced at Rs 1,000.