Darjeeling Himalayan Railway launches special Durga Puja joyride services
The iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has planned special joyride services for travellers starting October 1 2026. These special operations are designed to enhance tourism during the upcoming festive Durga Puja season while giving passengers a memorable heritage journey through the mountains. NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma and DHR official Pratiksha Chhetri confirmed the rollout of these services which will offer unique travel options for visitors exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site.
A total of six special joyride services have been scheduled by the railway authorities to cater to the festive rush.
Joyride Routes and Fare Details
The special schedule includes four single-trip diesel-operated joyrides running between Darjeeling and Ghum. Passengers can book these services at a fare of ₹800 per single journey. In addition to these, two round-trip services will operate between Kurseong and Mahanadi to provide a more immersive mountain travel experience.
Special Heritage Train Experiences
The round-trip offerings between Kurseong and Mahanadi are divided into two distinct categories. The first is the 'Red Panda' which is a classic steam-engine-hauled journey priced at ₹1,530. The second is the 'Mukta Dhara' which is a diesel-operated journey paying special tribute to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore with a fare of ₹1,030. These curated services aim to combine nostalgia scenic beauty and cultural tribute for railway enthusiasts and holiday travellers alike.