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The 88km
journey to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri or Silliguri on
the famous miniature railway is certainly not the quickest
way to get here but is nevertheless an experience that
shouldn't be missed.
Until the late 1800s, all supplies for Darjeeling and all
the tea exported had to be transported by bullock cart along
aptly-named Hill Cart Rd. This was slow and expensive: rice
that sold for Rs 98 a ton fetched Rs 240 a ton by the time
it reached the hill station. Construction of the railway
line up to Tindharia. In 1881 the line was completed through
Darjeeling.
The whole line is an ingenious feat of engineering and
includes five switchbacks and four complete loops. The last
of these, known as the Batasia Loop, is five km short of
Darjeeling and a popular spot for photographers.
Over the years there have been calls to pension off the
elderly, unreliable, steam locomotives, the oldest of which
(No 779) dates from 1892. In the last two years many of the
country's steam engines have been shunted into the scrap
yards. However, now that there are relatively few working
steam lines, increased interest from all enthusiasts and
tourist should ensure the survival of Darjeeling's Toy
Train. |
