Darjeeling, December 09 (Siliguri Chronicle) – The nine-day Ghum Winter Festival, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s (DHR) flagship annual event, wrapped up on Sunday at Darjeeling’s iconic Chowrasta Mall.
The closing ceremony was attended by Chetan Srivastava, general manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), who was on a three-day visit to the hills from December 6 to 8.
On Saturday, he inspected the Tindharia–Rongtong stretch of the DHR, reviewed the ongoing repair and restoration work, assessed track and asset conditions, and met with engineering teams.
“He inaugurated the newly built diesel locomotive No. 606, appreciating its enhanced safety features and improved performance standards. On the next day, he opened the renovated Ghum Museum. The renovation was done to enrich visitor experience,” said a source.
He also flagged off the special centenary run of Locomotive 806B, the iconic “Queen of the Hills,” celebrating 100 years of the legendary B-class steam engine.
On Sunday, Srivastava inaugurated diesel locomotive No. 607 and unveiled the upgraded Kurseong Archives, which now offer expanded documentation and historical material on the 142-year-old mountain railway.
The festival showcased cultural performances, local crafts and food stalls, adventure activities and heritage rides. “The next edition of the fest will be held from November 28 to December 6, 2026,” said DHR director Rishav Choudhary.
