Special festive train services for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Maligaon, September 8 (MExN): In view of the upcoming festive and winter season, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will operate four pairs of special steam and diesel rides, along with four special diesel joyride services on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The services will run from September 19, to January 5, 2026, aiming to enhance the travel experience for the thousands of local and foreign tourists who visit during this peak period.

NFR has scheduled several special train services. The Festive Special Steam Ride between Darjeeling and Kurseong will operate with Train No. 02542 running every Saturday from September 20 to November 1, departing Darjeeling at 09:10 hours and arriving at Kurseong at 13:20 hours. The return service, Train No. 02543, will operate every Sunday from September 21 to November 2, departing Kurseong at 12:00 hours and arriving at Darjeeling at 17:02 hours.

The Sunset Special Steam Ride between Kurseong and Mahanadi will operate every Saturday from September 20 to November 1. Train No. 02544 will depart Kurseong at 15:30 hours and arrive at Mahanadi at 16:30 hours, while Train No. 02545 will depart Mahanadi at 16:50 hours and arrive back at Kurseong at 17:30 hours.

The Sunrise Special Steam Ride on the same route will operate every Sunday from September 21 to November 2. Train No. 02552 will depart Kurseong at 07:15 hours and arrive at Mahanadi at 08:15 hours, followed by Train No. 02551 departing Mahanadi at 08:40 hours and arriving at Kurseong at 09:30 hours.

The Tea, Timber Special Diesel Ride between Siliguri Junction and Rangtong will operate every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from September 19 to November 2. Train No. 02553 will depart Siliguri Junction at 12:00 hours and arrive at Rangtong at 13:15 hours, with the return service, Train No. 02554, departing Rangtong at 16:15 hours and arriving at Siliguri Junction at 17:30 hours.

Additionally, four Special Diesel Joyrides will operate daily from September 20, to January 5, 2026, between Darjeeling and Ghum station with a composition of three first-class coaches. The regular Morning Diesel Joyride service, Train No. 52592, will continue operating from September 20, 2025, departing Darjeeling at 07:15 hours, reaching Ghum at 08:00 hours, departing Ghum at 08:20 hours, and returning to Darjeeling at 08:50 hours.

Passengers are advised to check the detailed stoppages and timings on the official IRCTC website or the NF Railway's social media platforms before planning their journey.