Photo Courtesy: NFR
Maligaon, April 8 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on Wednesday reported a significant rise in passenger traffic and revenue of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) during the financial year 2025–26.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the DHR is among India’s most iconic mountain railways and continues to attract tourists and railway enthusiasts from across the world for its scenic routes, historic legacy and distinctive travel experience.
According to NFR, passenger footfall on the heritage railway increased to 2.15 lakh during FY 2025–26, while earnings crossed Rs 25 crore. This marks a growth of about 17.72 per cent in passenger traffic and 14.71 per cent in revenue compared to the previous financial year.
Officials said the growth reflects the increasing popularity and sustained demand for the heritage train services, which have also contributed to local employment and tourism-driven economic activity in the Darjeeling region.
The railway attributed the performance to a multi-pronged strategy focused on improving passenger experience while preserving the historic charm of the DHR.
Key measures included curated tourism experiences, tailored services, enhanced stakeholder engagement and continuous improvements in infrastructure and passenger amenities.
The rising patronage of the heritage railway is also supporting livelihoods and boosting tourism across the Darjeeling hills, NFR said.
The performance in FY 2025–26 reaffirms the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s status as one of India’s most treasured railway legacies and a symbol of rich cultural and engineering heritage, it added.
NFR reiterated its commitment to preserving and promoting the iconic railway for future generations.
