Maligaon, June 22 (MExN): The UNESCO Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) of Northeast Frontier Railway has recorded ‘remarkable earning’ in May this financial year. The DHR has recorded the highest ever monthly revenue generation of nearly Rs 3.20 crore against the expenditure of Rs 2.75 crore during May, 2022, NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Sabyasachi De informed on Wedensday.
It was approximately 54% higher than the earlier highest of Rs 2.07 crore in May, 2018-19. Till May, 2022 this financial year, the DHR has earned more than Rs 4.73 crore while the annual expense was at around Rs 4.53 crore during this period. The increased earning was achieved because of introduction of more joyride services. Huge footfall during this peak season of tourist flow in the section and growth in the passenger traffic led rise in the earning, the release stated.
It further stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected DHR adversely as a result of which, its revenue took a dip in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Moreover, the train services on DHR remained suspended for extended periods of time from March 2020 February 2022, it said.
Presently, there is a daily service between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and 12 Joy Ride services between Darjeeling and Ghum in the DHR. The DHR also introduced special services like Steam Jungle Tea Safari, Red Panda, Him Kanya etc while Charter Trains, Special Film Shooting Trains, Heritage Dining Car are also some attractive services being offered in the DHR.
Several initiatives have also been taken for the promotion of DHR in the country and abroad. Darjeeling station is being upgraded with new features like heritage type windows, Kanchenjunga view point etc, and upgrade of Ghum station is also under process. Partnering with stakeholders, tour operators, cultural groups, local population etc. are being done regularly to preserve its conservation and promote heritage value, the release stated.
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