June 1, 2009

Hit by cyclone Aila, Darjeeling Toy Train on halt

Darjeeling, 31 May: The famous Darjeeling toy train is lying idle at Ghoom – the highest railway station in the world. Service at this world heritage rail route has been hit ever since cyclone Aila lashed West Bengal on May 25.


Along the 80 kilometre route from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, the rail lines have been uprooted or blocked at more than 50 points.


“It is quite a disaster. The maximum damage has occurred between Kurseong and Darjeeling. We are trying to resume service from New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong,” says director, Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, Subhro Nath.


For tourists coming to Darjeeling it is a great disappointment as they will miss the majestic views offered by this century old train service. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.

 

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