The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is set to introduce special train services for school students between Ghum and Darjeeling, following a request from the civil administration. This initiative comes amid worsening traffic congestion and acute vehicle shortages during the peak tourist season in the hills.
Relief for Students
The new service is expected to bring significant relief to hundreds of students who struggle daily with long traffic snarls and a lack of available vehicles for commuting. DHR director Rishab Choudhary confirmed that the administration had written to the railway authorities requesting a dedicated service for students.
Proposed Schedule and Cost
The proposed morning service from Ghum to Darjeeling is expected to depart at 6:15 am, while the return service from Darjeeling to Ghum is planned for 5:30 pm. The rides will be operated at a minimal cost exclusively for students. Choudhary stated, "We will begin the rides at the earliest."
Commuting Challenges
Residents report that the eight-kilometre journey between Ghum and Darjeeling, which once took around 20 minutes, now often stretches to nearly two hours during peak hours. With most taxis engaged in ferrying tourists, local commuters are frequently left stranded for hours.
Parent and Student Perspectives
Bimla Rai, a parent, said, "School students, especially after classes end, often struggle to find vehicles to return home. This special train service will at least provide relief to students and help them reach home on time." A student added, "In the morning, we somehow manage to get a vehicle to Darjeeling, but after school we often have to walk extra miles because we do not get vehicles even after waiting for hours at the Ghum syndicate. Either the taxis are packed with tourists or there are no vehicles at all."
The DHR's initiative is seen as a timely response to the pressing transportation needs of students in the region, promising a more reliable and affordable commuting option.
