Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Restores Historic Steam Engine to Enhance Heritage Tourism

DARJEELING: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage site, has made a significant step towards its glorious past by unveiling the restored historic 'Baby Sivok' steam engine. The restoration was unveiled at the Ghum Winter Festival on December 7. NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava formally flagged off the engine.

The 'Baby Sivok' steam engine, built over 100 years ago in Germany, formed a significant part of the DHR construction of the Teesta Valley and Kishanganj branches. It acquired the name from the Sivok station on the Teesta Valley line and worked with the railway till it retired in the 1970s. After decades of abandonment, the engine was brought to the Tindharia Workshop, where NFR's skilled staff painstakingly restored it to its former glory.

Displayed with pride at Ghum, the 'Baby Sivok' is a tangible connection to the railway's glorious past. The restoration celebrates the engineering of yesteryear and has, in fact, become a significant attraction for tourists coming to DHR, and by doing so, ensures its preservation.

NFR is working jointly with the local stakeholders to continuously promote and preserve the cultural and historical significance of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway so that it stands out among attractions.

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