NFR Renovates Century-Old Steam Locomotive 808 C of DHR

 Guwahati, 27^th May, 2026:

 

In a significant step towards preservation of India’s rich railway heritage, Northeast Frontier Railway has successfully renovated the historic Steam Locomotive No. 808-C Class NG Loco of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Type (4-6-2) Pacific with an upgraded heritage display installed at the Headquarter campus, Maligaon.

The renovated heritage locomotive was inaugurated on 26^th May, 2026 by Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava General Manager, Northeast Frontier Railway in the presence of senior railway officials and staff members.

The heritage locomotive was built in the year 1914 and manufactured by the North British Locomotive Company Ltd., Glasgow (U.K.).  The steam locomotive is a rare symbol of India’s railway legacy. The locomotive had already been installed and displayed at Maligaon the Headquarter of Northeast Frontier Railway and has now been given a new life through extensive repair, painting and renovation works.

Under the motivation and guidance of the General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway, the restoration work was carried out by the C&W Workshop, New Bongaigaon. The renovated locomotive has been enhanced with decorative lighting along with real sound and smoke effects, making it an attractive heritage display for railway visitors and enthusiasts.

This Steam locomotive No. 808 belongs to the renowned 4-6-2 Pacific Class steam locomotives introduced in 1914 for service under the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Along with its twin engine No. 807, the locomotive played an important role in hauling freight trains of up to 800 tonnes on the Kishanganj Extension section of DHR.

After the Siliguri–Kishanganj line was converted to metre gauge in 1948, the locomotive continued service as a shunting pilot at Siliguri before being decommissioned in the 1960s. The preserved steam engine now stands as a reminder of the steam era and the engineering excellence of Indian Railways.

The restoration of Steam Locomotive No. 808 reflects Northeast Frontier Railway’s continued commitment towards conservation and promotion of historical railway assets while creating awareness about the legacy of steam locomotives in India.