The joy ride, scheduled for 14 November, will run from Siliguri to Rongtong, giving the children a chance to experience the scenic beauty of the hills aboard one of India’s most iconic narrow-gauge railways. “The initiative aims to make the joy of rail travel and the charm of the hills accessible to every child,” the official said.
The event is being held in collaboration with a local NGO, which works with differently-abled children. The official added that DHR hopes the ride will create lasting memories and help promote inclusivity through shared cultural experiences.
Meanwhile, the penultimate phase of the ‘Shatabdi March’, commemorating 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Darjeeling, will take place from Rongtong to Sukna station on Saturday. Following the march, children from Rongtong will also take part in a heritage train experience, “echoing the spirit of unity and joy that defines DHR’s heritage,” the official said.
In another initiative, DHR will host the final round of its Iron Sherpa competition on Thursday. The contest recognises the best all-round student from the railway’s catchment area, continuing DHR’s commitment to community engagement and youth development.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway continues to serve not only as a vital transport link but also as a cultural and educational platform connecting the region’s people and heritage.
Meanwhile, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway intensified security arrangements across stations and trains in the wake of the powerful blast near Red Fort in Delhi, officials said.
All RPF units are on alert, and additional deployment of security personnel has been made at sensitive and vulnerable locations throughout the zone, they said.
Dog squads have also been mobilised to assist in security operations, while intensive anti-sabotage checks are being carried out at stations, railway premises and trains, an official release said.
Monitoring through CCTV surveillance systems has been strengthened, with round-the-clock observation of station premises and platforms, it said.
The RPF is also closely coordinating with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and other security agencies to ensure seamless information sharing and effective joint action wherever required, the release said.
A high-intensity explosion ripped through a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing at least 12 people and injuring many.
(With inputs from PTI)
