Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Marks Toy Train Day with Youth Engagement Programme

 Guwahati, 7^th July, 2026:

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated "Toy Train Day" with a vibrant community outreach programme at the historic Sukna Railway Station, reaffirming its commitment to heritage conservation, cultural engagement and community participation.

Organised in collaboration with the North Bengal Painters Association, the celebration featured a heritage-themed painting competition and an interactive art workshop for local children and young artists. The initiative aimed to inspire the younger generation to appreciate and preserve the rich legacy of the iconic mountain railway through creative expression.

The programme transformed the picturesque Sukna Railway Station into an open-air art studio, where experienced artists from the North Bengal Painters Association guided participants through hands-on painting sessions. Drawing inspiration from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the surrounding natural landscape and the region's rich cultural heritage, the young participants created artworks reflecting their unique perspectives on the historic narrow-gauge railway.

A major attraction of the event was the exhibition of a meticulously crafted miniature replica of the iconic DHR Heritage Steam Engine by renowned local artist Suman Roy. The detailed model served as an educational exhibit as well as a source of artistic inspiration, showcasing the engineering excellence and timeless charm of the historic steam locomotive.

The event concluded with the display and appreciation of the artworks created by the participants. Through such initiatives, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway continues to strengthen its bond with local communities while promoting awareness of the importance of preserving its unique heritage for future generations.

In another significant achievement, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway registered its highest-ever revenue for the month of June, earning Rs 3.98 crore during June 2026, compared to Rs 3.25 crore during the corresponding period last year. This exceptional growth marks the highest consecutive June revenue in the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway since its inception and reflects the increasing popularity of the UNESCO World Heritage railway among tourists, along with the sustained efforts of the Northeast Frontier Railway in enhancing heritage tourism and passenger experience.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway remains committed to preserving its rich legacy while embracing innovative initiatives that promote cultural engagement, community participation and sustainable heritage tourism.