Darjeeling Himalayan Railway running in losses

Nifty BSE | NSE 30/05/12 Are Mutual Funds betting on Nifty?

If you are planning your next vacation to Darjeeling, make sure you do not miss a ride on the Himalayan Princess. It is Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's new addition in its 126th anniversary, reports CNBC-TV18.

 

The Himalayan Princess got a royal welcome to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway on Thursday, its 126th anniversary, with a music band, a red carpet and much festivities. The new train , that runs on diesel, comes with some additions, like better seating comfort.

 

By the time, the Princess rolled out of Siliguri, it had already won the hearts of many present on the occasion. But many were wondering if the Princess' gait could be more lively.

 

"The speed can be increased, so that the time taken for the journey reduces. We will organize inputs, so that the speed can be increased," said Rakesh Rao, Member, Railway Board.

 

All is however not well with the service, which has been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The train service is running into huge losses. Officials said that while the annual expenditure is Rs 8 crore, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's earnings barely touch Rs 80 lakh.

 

"We are also proud of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. But I do not want to lose that much of money. So, what we are trying to do now is try and reorganize, so that we can keep the heritage, run it for the development of the area, and the area at the end of it will pay back," said Asutosh Swami, General Manager, North East Frontier Railway.

 

So, if you are looking to relive the romance of Parineeta and Aradhana, you know where you have to be; right here on the Himalayan Princess.