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Darjeeling toy train will run faster

         Siliguri (West Bengal): The railway authorities have decided to increase the speed of the world famous toy train in Darjeeling. The train between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling has been running for almost a century and a quarter. It was conferred World Heritage Status in 1999,and is the second railway line in the world to be declared a UNESCO heritage site. The first was Zemerin in Austria. "Well distance cannot be reduced. The only thing is that the speed can be increased so that the time taken for the journey reduces," said M.M. Rao, Member of the Railway Board. The distance that the train covers in eight-nine hours, would now be covered in six hours. For the first time the train would offer on board catering services. Moreover, there are plans to double the number of trains. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) is famous for its non-engineering construction. It has three loops and six "Z" reverses on the entire line, which turns the concept of engineering on its head. The track goes up and down the slopes till it reaches the tea-abode of Darjeeling. There are no tunnels on the 88-kilometre track. The DHR route passes through Ghum, the second highest railway station in the world situated at a height of 7407 feet. The engineering marvel used by DHR was an inspiration to several mountain railways in the world.
- August 24,  2007