In a significant boost to regional tourism, the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has unveiled a new passenger service designed to offer travelers an immersive journey through its historic routes. Named the 'Jungle Safari', this initiative aims to make the picturesque and often inaccessible landscapes along the narrow-gauge line available to the public at an affordable price.
An Immersive and Affordable Travel Experience
According to DHR director Rishav Choudhary, the newly launched Jungle Safari is set to provide a unique travel experience that combines heritage, adventure, and natural beauty. The service covers a 34-kilometer route from Siliguri to Gayabari and back, taking passengers through dense forests and offering scenic vistas that are not reachable by road. The entire journey is priced at just Rs 500 per passenger, making it an accessible option for many.
Choudhary emphasized that the service is more than just a train ride; it is a curated experience. Passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy leisure time at iconic spots along the route. A major highlight is the famed Agony Point Loop, which is situated on one of the world's sharpest railway curves at an angle of 115 degrees. This allows travelers to disembark, soak in the views, and capture memorable photographs.
Schedule, Capacity, and Operational Details
The Jungle Safari conducted a trial run on a Sunday and is scheduled for its official public launch on January 17. Initially, the service will operate on weekends to cater to tourists and weekend travelers. The detailed schedule for the journey is as follows:
- The train will depart from Siliguri Junction at 10:00 AM.
- It is expected to reach its destination, Gayabari, by 1:00 PM.
- After a halt for leisure, the return journey from Gayabari will commence at 2:45 PM.
- The train will finally pull back into Siliguri Junction by 6:00 PM.
The train will consist of three coaches with a combined seating capacity of 75 passengers. For this service, a diesel engine will haul the coaches along the historic track.
A Collaborative Model for Sustainable Tourism
Highlighting the operational model behind this new venture, Director Rishav Choudhary revealed that the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has entered into a collaborative agreement. The initiative is being run under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with DHR partnering with local agencies based in Siliguri. This partnership is expected to ensure efficient management and promote local involvement in the tourism ecosystem.
The introduction of the Jungle Safari is a strategic move by the DHR to revitalize interest in one of India's most beloved mountain railways, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By creating an affordable and engaging short-duration service, the authorities hope to attract a new segment of tourists, including day-trippers and heritage enthusiasts, thereby giving a fresh impetus to tourism in the Darjeeling-Siliguri region.
