DHR introduces AC coaches, bookings can be done online

Darjeeling: Air-condition coach services have become operational in the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

This is the first instance of an Indian Mountain Railway (narrow gauge) providing air-conditioned coaches. The tickets for this service can be booked online through the computerised Passenger Reservation System and the IRCTC.

"A new air-conditioned coach has been added to the 52540/52541 New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling narrow-gauge Passenger train to make the journey more comfortable specially during the summers," stated PJ Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer,

NF Railways.

The fare for the journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling per person (adult) in the air-conditioned coach will be Rs 1555. The fare for the same trip will be Rs 1295 in the first class coach.

The 87 km long journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling via Kurseong takes about seven hours. The train comprises 2 first class coaches along with an AC coach.

While the AC coach has a capacity of 15 passengers, the first class coach can accommodate 18 passengers. The train is hauled by a diesel locomotive.

The 52541 NJP-Darjeeling Passenger leaves NJP at 8.30 am and reaches Darjeeling at 03.35 pm. The 52540 Darjeeling-NJP Passenger leaves Darjeeling at 08.15 am and reaches NJP at 03.10 pm.

Along with this, the DHR also provides nine joy ride trains running from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back. Six of the joy rides are hauled by steam engines and the rest by diesel engines.

The DHR was declared a World Heritage site on December 2, 1999.