Siliguri, Oct. 29: The Darjeeling
Himalayan Railway is getting a makeover with the addition of signage in
bright colours at all 14 stations of the Unesco heritage site, most of
which will be given fresh paint also.
The refurbishment
of the hill railway has started with Sukna station, 10km from here,
where signboards have been put up in blue and yellow.
The boards show
the name of the station, distance to other stations and direction,
besides informing passengers about the Unesco world heritage status of
the toy train.
“We are putting in
all efforts to highlight the DHR as a prime tourism destination. In the
process, we have started the revamp of all 14 stations that fall along
the 80km route of the hill railway from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.
The first station to get a revamp is at Sukna and the outcome is quite
satisfying. The station looks quite pretty with new signage and display
boards. We have decided to give other stations also the same look,” said
Arun Kumar Sharma, the divisional railway manager, Katihar division.
The 14 stations of
the DHR still retain the old-world charm with cottage-style structures
and tin roofs, wooden chairs for the passengers and small flower gardens
fenced with wooden railings which usually have the model of a toy train
on display.
“Tourists come to
experience all that is antique and the old-world ambience of the hill
railway that comprises engines, coaches and stations. Tourists like to
halt at stations, sit on wooden chairs and take pictures of the
cottage-styled structures as much as they want to enjoy the beautiful
scenery along the route,” said a DHR official.
“Since the
hill railway is 132 years old, refurbishing the stations from time to
time is essential so that they do not look worn out. Apart from
installing new signboards and signage, we will also give the
cottage-styled structures, wooden chairs and railings a fresh coat of
paint wherever it is required,” a DHR source said.
The Telegraph
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