The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)
conferred with the world heritage tag by UNESCO may soon lose its steam,
as frequent complaints of mismanagement and under-service continues to
plague it. Latest to follow is a complaint by a local tour operator of
the DHR denying “joy ride” in the steam engine pulled train from
Siliguri to Tindharia in Kurseong, to a foreign group from Germany.
According to Suresh Periwal, managing
director of the Clubside Tours and Travels, his group from Germany had
chartered in advance a “joy ride” in the toy train but were denied. “My
clients wanted the steam engine tugged ride in the toy train from
Siliguri to Tindharia, today. We had made the booking in advance and
even paid the fare amount of Rs.22,000. But when my clients reached
Rongtong, the steam engine was changed to a diesel one. The DHR staffs
said that they had to use the diesel engine from Rongtong to Tindharia
as there was no provision for water which is necessary to cool off the
engine on the way up,” alleged the tour operator.
Incidentally, the same group was denied a
ride from Siliguri to Rongtong on April 20, despite booking the train
in advance. The German group wanted to take the toy train ride up to
Tindharia but was informed by the station master that he was unaware of
any bookings. “I fail to understand how this is possible. The booking
was confirmed and amount was paid in February, we have the receipt and
ticket to prove our claim. Is this how the DHR is run?” questioned
Periwal. “It must be remembered that foreign groups come to Darjeeling
just to take the DHR rides. They make planning well in advance and their
itineraries are chalked out accordingly by us. Such incidents not only
cause inconvenience to tourists but also to tour operators,” he added.
Periwal said he has written to the DHR
director seeking explanation and investigation at the highest level to
the lapse in service but is yet to receive any communication. “It a
matter of prestige for our company, as we mostly deal with foreign
clients who are very specific about the services provided. We want a
high level investigation in this matter and also want full refund for
both the charters and compensation, as we have already had to compensate
the guests with extra services and compliments from our side,” said the
tour operator.
The German group could not be contacted
for their comment but the guide accompanying them said the tourists will
stay the night in Kurseong today and travel to Darjeeling on the normal
steam engine train on Tuesday. “The DHR has confirmed a steam pulled
train till Darjeeling tomorrow. The group will be staying in Darjeeling
for three nights. All I can say about the two incidents is that the
tourists were disappointed,” said guide Umesh Roka, when contacted. When
contacted the DHR, Director, M.D. Bhutia said he was looking into the
matter and could not make any comment immediately.(EOIC)