Overview
- NFR reported the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway carried 2.15 lakh passengers with earnings above Rs 25 crore in FY 2025–26, up 17.72% in footfall and 14.71% in revenue from the prior year.
- The railway attributed the gains to curated tourism offers, better onboard service, infrastructure upgrades, and closer work with local partners.
- A new tourist charter uses refurbished wagons from the Tindharia workshop in a steam-hauled open-air coach for about 15 passengers at a charter price of Rs 50,000.
- Officials said rising patronage is bolstering jobs and small businesses that depend on visitors across the Darjeeling hills.
- The UNESCO-listed mountain line draws global rail fans with its 19th-century heritage and scenic route linking the plains near Siliguri to Darjeeling.