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Key Points

The Northeast Frontier Railway has successfully completed final trials for the new NDM-6 diesel-hydraulic locomotive on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway route. Specially designed for narrow-gauge heritage lines, the loco features modern safety upgrades while maintaining the railway's historic charm. This development comes as the DHR celebrates 125 years of continuous steam locomotive service. The NFR plans to introduce two more NDM-6 locos to enhance operational efficiency on this UNESCO-listed mountain railway.

Key Points: NDM-6 Diesel Loco Final Trial Run Completed for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

  • New NDM-6 diesel loco completes final trial on Darjeeling-Siliguri route
  • Upgraded safety features improve reliability on narrow-gauge heritage track
  • Two more NDM-6 locos under procurement for DHR fleet
  • Modernization balances UNESCO heritage preservation with passenger safety
2 min read

Final trial run of NDM-6 diesel-hydraulic loco successfully conducted for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Northeast Frontier Railway successfully tests new NDM-6 diesel-hydraulic loco for UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, enhancing heritage route safety.

"The NDM-6 loco is designed to enhance operational efficiency while preserving the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage section. - Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, NFR CPRO"

Guwahati, Aug 4

The final trial run of the newly procured NDM-6 Diesel-Hydraulic (DSL) Loco for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) was successfully conducted, from Darjeeling to Siliguri with three coaches, officials said on Monday.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that recent final trial run of the newly procured NDM-6 Diesel-Hydraulic (DSL) Loco follows the earlier successful uphill trial run from Siliguri to Darjeeling.

The NDM-6 loco, specially designed for narrow gauge heritage routes like the DHR, is equipped with upgraded safety features and offers improved performance and reliability, he said.

The CPRO said that loco has been introduced to enhance operational efficiency on the UNESCO World Heritage section, ensuring safer and more sustainable travel across the picturesque hill terrain.

This development marks a significant step in preserving the charm of the DHR while incorporating modern engineering enhancements, he stated.

According to Sharma, the trial runs are a part of routine safety and performance evaluation before inducting the loco into regular service.

Further, two additional NDM–6 Diesel Locos are under procurement and would soon be introduced into the DHR.

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) remains committed to the preservation and modernization of heritage railway systems like DHR while continuing to provide safe and comfortable travel for passengers, the CPRO maintained.

Meanwhile, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) in April this year celebrated the 125th year of continuous service of the legendary B Class steam locomotive number 782B. This historic milestone underscores the commitment of Northeast Frontier Railways to preserving its cultural and technological heritage while inspiring future generations. The NFR operates in the Northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a frequent traveler to Darjeeling, I appreciate the safety upgrades. The old locos were charming but sometimes unreliable during monsoon. Hope they maintain the vintage look though - that's half the charm!
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Ananya R
My grandfather worked on these railways in the 1960s. He'd be happy to see the heritage being preserved with modern tech. But please don't completely phase out the steam engines - they're living history!
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Karthik V
Good initiative but I hope the fares won't increase too much. Many local commuters depend on this route. Modernization should benefit everyone, not just tourists paying premium prices.
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Michael C
Visited Darjeeling last year and the toy train was the highlight! Glad to hear about the upgrades. Maybe next time I won't get stuck for 2 hours when it broke down near Ghum station 😅
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Priyanka N
Wonderful! But I hope the railway ministry allocates similar attention and funds to other heritage lines like the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Our hill railways need equal love and care.

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