'Inferior quality coal' robs Darjeeling Himalayan Railway of steam

WORLD HERITAGE TAG QUESTIONED

- AMITAVA BANERJEE

DARJEELING: Inferior quality coal has robbed the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) of steam.

For the past one week, there have been rampant cancellations, delays and disruptions in the steam loco joy rides causing grave inconvenience. Many have questioned the alleged lackadaisical attitude of the running of the trains with the world heritage tag.

"We had a group from the Nepal Tourism Board. They were very enthusiastic about taking a ride in the world heritage steam loco. On October 26, they had booked tickets in the 1 pm steam joyride. When they arrived at the Railway station in Darjeeling, they were informed that the earlier steam joyride was cancelled and that it was not certain whether the 1 pm service would ply.