UNESCO team meets railway officials over DHR issues

Darjeeling: A meeting between a UNESCO team and representatives of the Northeast Frontier Railways was held on Monday, to review various issues pertaining to the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR).

The meeting, held in Maligaon, Guwahati, discussed the finalisation of the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP).

Incidentally, an agreement had been inked between the Railways and a UNESCO team on January 20, 2017, for the preparation of the CCMP which would act as a guideline for the preservation, conservation and restoration of the world heritage.

The important issue of illegal construction along the tracks was also discussed. Since 2017, 6 eviction drives have been held till now.

Discussions were also held on ongoing projects for preservation, conservation and restoration of the DHR. Projects worth Rs 15 crore are being implemented by the Northeast Frontier Railways at present.

There are 4 steam and 10 local services plying at present in the DHR. The number of passengers is considerably increasing over the years. In 2017, the passenger footfall stood at 64,030, while in 2018 the number was doubled and stood at 1,08,940. Till October this year, the footfall stood at 93,210.