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The DHRS Annual tour to the DHR ran as planned between 1st and 16th February 2003, and, whilst not free of difficulty, achieved everything planned and promised. News form the line is as follows:
METRE GAUGE
All metre gauge south of Siliguri Junction (i.e. the stretch from Siliguri Junction through Siliguri Town to New Jalpaiguri) has been lifted prior to the laying of broad gauge track.
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We were told plans include the extension of most long-distance trains which currently terminate at NJP will be extended over the new line to Siliguri Junction. In addition, the stretch of metre gauge line east from Siliguri Junction towards Assam is also being converted to BG. It is not clear whether the BG will need a new bridge over the Mahanandi between Siliguri Town and Siliguri Junction, or whether the existing bridge is wide enough.
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NAMING
It seems now that all rolling stock on the DHR has been named - previously, only four locos carried names (Green Hills, Queen of the Hills, Himalayan Bird and Mountaineer). All other locos now carry painted names on their cabsides, for example, 791 is named Horatio. The practice of naming passenger coaches (first class) has also been extended.
DINNER TRAIN
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The DHR has now run its first dinner train, and this was an overwhelming success. The party of 24 was fed incredibly well in two sittings during an evening charter train form NJP to Sukna and return. After some silliness in arranging the booking, common sense prevailed, and both DHR staff (for train operating) and staff from Siliguri's Cindrella Hotel (for the catering) did a superb job. During the journey, a full four course meal was served, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Accompanying dinner, India's favourite 'Kingfisher' beer was available.
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PANCHANAI BRIDGE
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The rickety bridge between Siliguri and Sukna carrying both road and rail with the sign "Weak bridge - 5 ton limit", but which carries 20 ton steam locomotives, is being replaced, so photos of rail and road fighting for priority will probably soon be a thing of the past. It is not yet clear how the two means of transport will share the new bridge, but the main concrete beams are now in place.
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CHARTER TRAIN
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Our charter train ran over two days to the successful formula of previous years (see photo zcharter.jpg), running from NJP to Tindharia on the first day, followed by a visit to Tindharia Works, and continuing from Tindharia to Darjeeling on Day 2. All participants were treated to a wonderful reception by the citizens of Tindharia, who laid on a display of traditional dancing for us.
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It seemed as if the whole village had turned out to welcome us - this has become almost traditional for our group, and is always very much appreciated by all participants. We thank them. The weather on the upper sections of the line was disappointing with extensive fog at times, but those who went up to Tiger Hill to see sunrise on the Himalayas reported back that the weather was clear at dawn, and the views breathtaking.
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ELSEWHERE & DELHI RAILWAY MUSEUM
The standard of display was very high, as usual, with the Patiala Monorail in steam for us. The DHR coach is now under restoration, and it seems the chassis has been made runnable, and the body has been removed, and a completely new body is being constructed on the original underframe. The quality of the woodwork appeared to be good, and it looks like we may effectively have a new coach at the end of this procedure.
KALKA-SHIMLA
The KSR behaves just like a shrunken version of a full size main line, and still carries out a useful function as a well-used transport undertaking for locals, Indian and international tourists. Shimla also seems to be managing its environment better than Darjeeling, and it is a real pleasure to be able wander round the old town in a traffic free environment. The Northern Railway staff had arranged for 2-6-2T 520 to be in steam for a charter from Shimla to Kathleeghat and return for us. The loco performed well on the outward stretch, but NR were expecting trouble, as they had a diesel; locomotive stationed ready at Kathleeghat, and this provided assistance to the steam loco on the return. It appeared there were problems with the fire, with copious quantities of clinker being removed from the fire at every station stop. Nonetheless, we had some superb runbys and photostops showing the lines very distinctive gallery bridges and tunnels.
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