A ceremonial flag-off ceremony featuring a traditional steam train decorated with marigold flowers, attended by local officials and community members on October 3.
Maligaon, October 5 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) organised the Sukna Station Mahotsav on October 3 to celebrate 146 years of the architectural heritage buildings of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, along with senior railway officials and distinguished dignitaries, attended the programme, which highlighted the railway's efforts to preserve its historic assets and promote community participation.
During the celebration, Shrivastava inaugurated the newly renovated Sukna Museum, which showcases the history and operational legacy of the DHR.
He also released the first volume of the DHR Collector's Edition on its heritage and history.
Students from Narayana School, Siliguri, and Sukna School presented cultural performances during the event. Essay and drawing competitions were also organised, with the top three winners in each category receiving DHR certificates.
Artist Ajay Sarkar presented a live nail art demonstration, following which the artwork was formally handed over to the Station Manager of Sukna.
Following the programme, the NFR General Manager flagged off the 125-year-old heritage locomotive 780B and a flat wagon restored after 36 years at the historic Tindharia Railway Workshop.
The Giddaypahar siding was also restored and reopened after 21 years to strengthen the operational capacity of the DHR.
A new barrack for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was also inaugurated at Giddaypahar to improve facilities for security personnel and support railway protection.
The celebrations brought together heritage preservation, infrastructure development and local participation as part of efforts to safeguard the legacy of the DHR.
Through the restoration of vintage rolling stock, renovation of heritage facilities and improvement of operational and security infrastructure, the NFR continues to preserve the DHR's heritage while supporting its continued service to the region and the country.
