The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s iconic toy train is facing growing challenges from increasing vehicular traffic along the narrow 8-km Ghoom-Darjeeling stretch, the main road entry route from the plains. On Tuesday evening, a DHR train struck a vehicle parked beside the tracks, badly damaging the car but causing no casualties. A similar incident occurred in July when a DHR engine brushed against a taxi. Railway officials said such incidents increased after sections of the road and railway tracks were levelled to create more space for vehicles, although collisions involving commercial vehicles have declined following awareness drives targeting taxi drivers. The stretch becomes particularly congested during the tourism season, when more than 10 DHR joy rides may operate depending on tourist demand. While increased joy rides have helped improve the railway’s finances, rising road traffic is adding pressure to the shared corridor. DHR passenger numbers increased from 1,83,003 in 2024-25 to 2,15,432 in 2025-26, while earnings rose from ₹22.12 crore to ₹25.37 crore. Officials are expected to meet the state administration next month to discuss the issue. Proposed alternative roads, including routes connecting northern Darjeeling with Teesta Bazar, could eventually help ease pressure on the congested stretch.
Ghoom-Darjeeling Road Traffic Clashes with Heritage Toy Train Operations
