PLANS FOR THE NEW "WORLD HERITAGE" DHR!!??
Updated 25.02.00
Latest news on Darjeeling dieselisation from Northeast Frontier Rail spokesperson (via Harsh Vardhan): 1) One NDM6 diesel engine has arrived at NJP. 2) Second is expected very soon. 3) No regular services have been dieselised as yet. 4) There is a plan to introduce diesel traction between NJP and DJ Services. Kurseong - DJ services to remain on steam as of now. 5) They could not confirm the possible dates for introduction of diesel on the regular services. Railway Minister is expected to formally inaugurate the launch of the services so no firm dates as yet. 6) Both NJP - DJ services are presently on steam. 7) Trial runs have been conducted with diesel locos. It is envisaged that diesel traction will save 1.5 hours of journey time. 8) Diesels are intended to give the steam engines a breather so that heavy repairs and upgrading is performed to the B class locos.
NEWS REPORT The Hindustan Times' Delhi on 9th December 1999
DARJEELING RAILWAY SET TO LOSE ITS HISTORICAL GLOSS
When diesel locomotives take over the mountainia, queen of hills and the rest of their steam-propelled sisters in a few days from now, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) will lose a bit of its historical gloss. But Northeast frontier (NFR) officials feel the switchover is necessary to sustain the loss-making DHR as a world heritage site. Elated by the inclusion of the DHR in the UNESCO's new list of 48 natural and cultural heritage sites across the globe, NFR bosses are wary of the grind ahead.
The NDM6 loco :Showing Matheran Railway train with 450 BHP of diesel power.
Diesel Multiple Unit:The Modern lines of this Indian made DMU is under serious consideration for the DHR??
NDM1 locomotive at Neral:The forerunner of the modern NG mountain loco (JUNG 1955)
