Darjeeling toy train celebrates 144th birthday
KOLKATA: The iconic toy train of Darjeeling, a timeless favourite among tourists visiting the hill station, celebrated its 144th birthday on July 4 with the first-ever Toy Train Day. Despite a few recent accidents, the train continues to captivate visitors with its slow, scenic journey along the mountain slopes. The celebration, organised jointly by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and the North Bengal Painters Association, was held at Sukna Railway Station near Siliguri. The DHR, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status, marked the day with a series of events and competitions themed around the toy train. Activities such as a Sit and Draw competition, poster making, live art, and a picture exhibition were held, with participation from several local kindergarten students. The event aimed to foster a deeper connection between the community and the historic railway, while also boosting tourism in the region. The roots of the Darjeeling toy train date back to British rule, with its first experimental run in 1870. After nearly a decade, commercial operations officially began on July 4, 1881, when the first train journeyed from Siliguri to Darjeeling. To commemorate that historic date, DHR decided to celebrate the toy trains birthday for the first time this year. Sukna Station, chosen for its preserved British-era railway architecture, served as the central venue. This is the first time that we have taken the initiative to celebrate Toy Train Day, said Tapan Malakar, Station Manager at Sukna. We hope that like the Ghoom Festival or Summer Festival, Toy Train Day will become a major attraction for tourists. To further boost tourism, DHR is planning to expand Joy Rides, introduce modern toy train engines from Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, upgrade station infrastructure, and enhance the museums and workshops along the route. Officials are hopeful that such cultural initiatives will help place Darjeelings beloved toy train on the global map.
Suvendu Adhikari urges grassroots push ahead of 2026 West Bengal polls
Ahead of the 2026 assembly polls, Suvendu Adhikari stressed strengthening booth-level presence and door-to-door outreach, moving beyond social media reliance. He aims to increase the Hindu vote share to 80% from 68% in 2021 to secure victory. Adhikari highlighted post-poll violence and emphasized expanding the party's reach from Digha to Darjeeling, focusing on women's safety and local engagement.
Calcutta University teams up with Darjeeling college to preserve and promote Lepcha language
Workshop aims to connect endangered language and literature of hill communities to wider audiences
'Why Order From A Place That Serves Non-Veg Too?': Consumer Court Sides With 'Wow Momo'
On December 19, 2020, two customers at Wow Momo in Sion claimed they ordered vegetarian 'Darjeeling Momos' but were served chicken momos despite twice specifying veg
Steam Engines That Run Darjeeling's Iconic Toy Train Turn 125
The steam engine-powered narrow-gauge railway known as the toy train or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a train service from the New Jalpaiguri railhead near Siliguri to the hill station of Darjeeling, has achieved a major milestone.
Sikkim poised to become global tourism, Green Model hub: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared that Sikkim is the pride of India and that the government envisions transforming the state into a global tourism destination and a Green Model State for the world. Addressing the Sikkim@50 event in Gangtok via videoconferencing, due to adverse weather conditions preventing his travel to the venue, Modi said, We are advancing the 'Act East' policy with the spirit of 'Act Fast' and Sikkim and the entire Northeast are emerging as a shining chapter in India's progress. He emphasised the Centres ambition to make Sikkim an international tourism hub, highlighting the states potential and natural assets. In the coming years, India is poised to emerge as a global sports superpower. The Yuva Shakti of the Northeast and Sikkim will play a pivotal role in realising this dream, he said. He further reiterated, Our vision is for Sikkim to become a Green Model State not just for India but for the entire world. Reflecting on Sikkims journey over the past five decades, Modi said, Fifty years ago, Sikkim charted a democratic future for itself. The people of Sikkim not only connected with India's geography but also with its soul. He noted that the nation has witnessed the fruits of this trust in the state's remarkable development. Sikkim is the pride of the nation, he reaffirmed, adding that the state has become a model of progress in harmony with nature. Highlighting its economic success, he said, Sikkim is among the states with the highest per capita income in the country. These achievements are a testament to the capabilities of the people of Sikkim. The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of inclusive development, saying that since 2014, the government has worked with the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, development for all, with everyones support. He added, A developed India requires balanced growth, ensuring that no region is left behind while others forge ahead. He remarked that every region in India has unique strengths and the government has placed the Northeast at the centre of development over the past decade. Sikkim, along with the entire Northeast, is becoming a shining chapter in India's development story, Modi said. Where once the distance from Delhi posed a barrier to progress, the same region is now opening new doors of opportunity. He stressed that the key driver behind this transformation has been improved connectivity, which the people of Sikkim have directly experienced. Reminiscing about a time when travel for education, healthcare and employment was a major challenge, he noted that this situation has changed significantly over the past ten years. Nearly 400 kilometres of new national highways have been built in Sikkim during this period, in addition to hundreds of kilometres of roads constructed in villages. The Prime Minister also spoke about major infrastructure projects in the state, including the construction of the Atal Setu which has enhanced Sikkims connectivity with Darjeeling. He added that work is progressing swiftly on the road connecting Sikkim with Kalimpong, among other developmental initiatives. The foundation of a developed India rests on four strong pillar, empowerment of the poor, farmers, women and youth, Modi said. As part of this effort, he announced the establishment of Indias first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng district, a step that further enhances Sikkims profile as an organic leader. Recalling the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi, the Prime Minister said it emphasised the need for each state to develop a tourism destination of international repute. The time has come for Sikkim to move beyond its identity as merely a hill station and to establish itself as a global tourism destination, he stated. He cited Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a source of immense national and international pride. Modi also referred to the new skywalk under construction, the Golden Jubilee Project inauguration, and the unveiling of a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee as symbols of Sikkims growing stature. The people of Sikkim understand the power of tourism, and tourism is not just entertainment but a celebration of diversity, he said. Addressing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Prime Minister declared that it was not merely an assault on Indians, but an attack on humanity and the spirit of brotherhood. He stated that the terrorists sought to divide the people of India and caused pain by wiping the sindoor off the foreheads of Indian daughters, but that India responded strongly with Operation Sindoor against the perpetrators. Today, the world is witnessing Indias unprecedented unity and the nation has come together to send a clear message to terrorists and their supporters, Modi asserted.
IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in several Bengal districts
Heavy rainfall likely to occur in north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong; thunderstorms likely to occur in south Bengal districts of Purulia
Punjab tutor held for abducting student; boy rescued from Darjeeling after over a month
HOSHIARPUR: A 13-year-old boy, who was allegedly abducted by his tutor about over a month ago, has been rescued by the police and the kidnapper arrested, officials said on Sunday. Model Town SHO Sub-Inspector Gursahib Singh said the boy, a native of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, was currently living with his parents in a rented accommodation in Hoshiarpur. Studying in Class 7, the boy used to take tuition from Bhupinder Singh (51), a resident of Dashmesh Nagar, daily between 3 pm and 7.30 pm. According to the police, Bhupinder Singh somehow convinced the boy's parents to allow him to take the child to Shimla for two days. However, after taking the boy with him on March 12, he blocked all contact numbers of the family and prevented the child from speaking to anyone. The boy's parents searched for him on their own for around 18 days, but when they failed to trace the abductor and their child, they lodged an FIR. The FIR was registered at the Model Town Police Station on April 2 under relevant provisions of the law that deal with the punishment for kidnapping or abducting someone with the intent to secretly confine them. A hunt was launched for Bhupinder, who kept changing his location frequently to evade arrest. Eventually, police located him at a hotel in West Bengal's Darjeeling and arrested him two days ago. The boy was safely rescued. The police said the accused had taken the boy close to the Nepal border and there was a strong possibility that he could have crossed over into Nepal with the child. The rescued boy has been produced before the Child Welfare Committee, while the accused was presented before a court, which remanded him in four-day police custody for further interrogation. The police are investigating the motive behind the kidnapping.
Blood-Sucking Fly That Can Cause Human Blindness Identified In Darjeeling, Kalimpong
Onchocerciasis, commonly known as 'river blindness,' is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. The worm is carried by black flies.
5 Easy Weekend Getaways From Darjeeling That Locals Swear By
Need a quick break from Darjeeling's usual rhythm? These weekend getaways offer fresh views, quiet corners, and zero travel drama.
Govt advances summer vacation in Bengal schools due to hot weather conditions
The West Bengal government has announced an early summer vacation for schools, starting April 30, due to the intense heatwave, excluding schools in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Education Minister Bratya Basu stated the vacation's duration will be determined later, based on weather conditions.
Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela are currently shooting their upcoming romantic drama in Gangtok and Darjeeling. The untitled film is directed by Anurag Basu and could be titled Aashiqui 3.
Bengali travellers seem to be moving away from Darjeeling and Sikkim to Kashmir
Compared to Darjeeling and Sikkim, Kashmir offers better value for money in terms of hotels, food, and experiences in addition to political stability, they say
Juhi Gupta, Sustainability Director, Tetra Pak South Asia said, This partnership is a great example of like-minded partners coming together to take a challenge and convert that into an opportunity to do the right thing. We are very happy to partner with Tieedi on this initiative and believe that together we are setting a wonderful precedent in this region for decentralized, community-driven waste management solutions that benefit both the environment and the people working to keep it clean.
Teen Walking With Earphones On Dies After Being Hit by Train in Darjeeling
A 15-year-old girl died after being hit by a toy train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) at Kurseong, a senior official said on Tuesday.
Darjeeling City Guide: Where To Eat, Stay, Shop, And Roam In The 'Queen Of The Hills'
This charming hill town in West Bengal is packed with jaw-dropping mountain views and colonial-era nostalgia, served with a side of steaming momos.
In a first, Darjeeling zoo launches project to preserve DNA samples of wildlife in Hills
Chief Wildlife Warden Debal Roy said 60 DNA samples from indigenous animals have already been collected for profiling
Senior doctor who became face of RG Kar movement transferred to a lower-ranked post
Kolkata: Senior doctor Subarna Goswami, who became a face of the movement by the medical fraternity against the R.G. Kar rape and murder tragedy in August last year, has been transferred to Darjeeling and in a lower ranked-post. Goswami been transferred to a post which is one rank lower than his existing rank. As Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Rain, hailstorms likely in several South Bengal districts on Thursday, Friday
KOLKATA: The India Meteorological Department has forecast thundersqualls with gusty winds and hailstorms in several districts of South Bengal on Thursday and Friday, due to a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal. According to a bulletin issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, thundersqualls with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) accompanied by lightning and hail are likely to occur at one or two places over Jhargram, Bankura, West Midnapore, East Midnapore and Hooghly districts on Thursday. For Kolkata and neighbouring areas, Thursday's forecast is for ain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 34 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. The weather system will intensify on Friday, extending to more districts in gangetic West Bengal, the IMD said. Thundersqualls with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) and lightning accompanied with hail are likely over East Burdwan, Howrah, Jhargram, Bankura, West Midnapore, East Midnapore and Hooghly districts, while other districts in South Bengal could experience thunderstorms with gusty winds (40-50 kmph), it said. Rain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds are likely in the metropolis on Friday, with temperatures expected to drop to between 32 deg Celsius and 22 deg Celsius, the bulletin said. North Bengal will largely remain dry on Thursday, with light rain or thunder expected only in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. By Friday, thunderstorms with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) and lightning are likely at one or two places across Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, it said. The IMD has also warned of potential damage to standing crops, vegetables and horticulture, as well as loose structures.
With bio-banked genetic material, Darjeeling has Indias first frozen zoo
India's first frozen zoo in Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is preserving the DNA of endangered Himalayan species using cryogenic technology. This initiative aims to ensure the long-term preservation of genetic material to aid future conservation efforts, including the possibility of assisted reproduction.
