Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway: Difference between revisions

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{{Line Railways Infobox
{{Line Railways Infobox
|image= DHR 1942 map.jpg
|image= Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Logo b.jpg
|caption= ''1942 map''
|caption= Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Logo
|route= [[Siliguri]] to [[Darjeeling]]<br>[[Siliguri]] to [[Kalimpong Road]]<br>[[Siliguri]] to [[Kishanganj]]
|route= [[Siliguri]] to [[Darjeeling]]<br>[[Siliguri]] to [[Kalimpong Road]]<br>[[Siliguri]] to [[Kishanganj]]
|gauge1=  
|gauge1=  
Line 19: Line 19:
|timeline4date= 1913
|timeline4date= 1913
|timeline4details= Extension to [[Kishanganj]] planned
|timeline4details= Extension to [[Kishanganj]] planned
|timeline5date=  
|timeline5date= 1948
|timeline5details=  
|timeline5details= Nationalisation
|presidency= [[Bengal]]
|presidency= [[Bengal]]
|stations= [[Siliguri]], [[Sukna]], [[Rangtong]], [[Chunbatti]], [[Tindharia]], [[Gayabari]], [[Mahanadi]], [[Kurseong]], [[Tung]], [[Dilaran]], [[Sonada]], [[Rangbul]], [[Jor Bungalow]], [[Ghum]], [[Darjeeling]]<br>[[Kalimpong Road]], [[Kishanganj]]
|stations= [[Siliguri]], [[Sukna]], [[Rangtong]], [[Chunbatti]], [[Tindharia]], [[Gayabari]], [[Mahanadi]], [[Kurseong]], [[Tung]], [[Dilaran]], [[Sonada]], [[Rangbul]], [[Jor Bungalow]], [[Ghum]], [[Darjeeling]]<br>[[Kalimpong Road]], [[Kishanganj]]
|system1date= 1880
|system1date= 1880
|system1details= Own agency
|system1details= Own agency
|system2date= 1958
|system2date= 1952
|system2details= [[North East Frontier Railway]] (IR zone)
|system2details= [[North Eastern Railway]] (IR zone)
|system3date=
|system3date= 1958
|system3details=
|system3details= [[Northeast Frontier Railway]] (IR zone)
}}
}}


The '''Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway''' (DHR), a 2' 0" narrow gauge line dating from 1879 and still powered by steam, is today a major tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site.
[[File:Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway (DHR) System.png|thumb| Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway (DHR) System]]
[[File:Darjeeling-Himalayan_Railway_1942.jpg|thumb| Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway Map 1942]]
The '''Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway''' (DHR), a 2ft/610mm narrow gauge([[Rail_gauge#Narrow_Gauge|NG]])
line dating from 1879 and still powered by steam, is today a major tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site.


== History ==
== History ==
'''[[Darjeeling Steam Tramway]]'''
<br>Originally known as the ‘[[Darjeeling Steam Tramway]]’  this 2ft Narrow Gauge([[Rail_gauge#Narrow_Gauge|NG]])  steam tramway operated  largely in the road. Hence the appropriate name. 'Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co' constructed the railway  [[Darjeeling Steam Tramway|- '' see separate page'']].


Built between 1879 and 1881, the original line ran (and still does) for 51 miles from [[Siliguri]] (about 100m in altitude) to [[Darjeeling]] (about 2200m).
The section from [[Siliguri]] to Kurseong was opened on 23 August 1880, while the official opening of the line up to [[Darjeeling]] was on 4 July 1881. <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_Himalayan_Railway Wikipedia “Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway”]; Retrieved 24 Dec 2017</ref>.
<br>The line was extended from Kurseong to Sanada, Feb 1881; to Ghum in Apr 1881 and  [[Darjeeling]] in Jul 1881, with a the last ¼ mile (0.4km) to Darjeeling Bazar in Jun 1885<ref name=Hist1937>[https://ia801605.us.archive.org/30/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.36650/2015.36650.India-Railway-Board-History-Of-Indian-Railways-Constructed-And-In-Progress.pdf US Archive .org pdf download of ‘History Of Indian Railways, constructed and in progress’, 31 March 1937 by ‘The Government of India - Railway Department’ page 224, pdf 267]; Retrieved 19 Aug 2020</ref>.


In 1913, the system was extended from [[Siliguri]] south-westwards to [[Kishanganj]]. There was also a short branch from [[Siliguri]] to [[Kalimpong Road]].  Technically, these extensions were a separate company, worked by the agency of the first.
At the [[Siliguri]] terminus there was the connection to the
[[Eastern_Bengal_Railway_-_Lines_owned_and_worked#EBR_Broad_Gauge_System|Eastern Bengal Railway Broad Gauge ‘Eastern Section’]]. Thus connecting [[Darjeeling]]via the EBR to [[Calcutta]].


As an assisted railway, the DHR fell into the control of [[Indian Railways]] (IR) after independence, and in 1958 became part of [[North East Frontier Railway]], an IR zone.
'''Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway Company'''
<br>The name changed to the ‘Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway’(DHR) on the company being formed on 15th September 1881. Built between 1879 and 1881, the original line ran (and still does) for 51 miles from [[Siliguri]] (about 100m in altitude) to [[Darjeeling]] (about 2200m).


'''[[Darjeeling-Himalayan Extensions Railway ]]'''
<br>In 1913, the 2ft Narrow Gauge([[Rail_gauge#Narrow_Gauge|NG]])  was extended from [[Siliguri]] south-westwards to [[Kishanganj]].  There was also a short branch from [[Siliguri]] to [[Kalimpong Road]].  Technically, these extensions were a separate company, worked by the agency of the DHR <ref>[https://ia801009.us.archive.org/8/items/BombayBarodaAndCentralIndiaRailwaySystem/Bombay_Baroda_And_Central_India_Railway_System.pdf  " Administration Report on the Railways in India – corrected up to 31st March 1918"; Superintendent of Government  Printing,  Calcutta;  page 239-240]; Retrieved 17 Dec 2015</ref>.[[Darjeeling-Himalayan Extensions Railway| - '' see separate page'']].
==Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway (DHR) System===
The ‘Statistics of Working’ show the two railways separately listed under the ‘DHR System’  with a combined mileage of 146 miles(235km) giving separately the  year-by-year financial results from 1913-14 through to 1936-37<ref name=Hist1937/>:-
* '''Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway'''
* '''[[Darjeeling-Himalayan Extensions Railway]]'''
== Classification ==
[[Indian Railway Classification]] of 1926 - Class II railway system.
==DHR Railway Workshop==
See separate page '''[[Tindharia Railway Workshop]]'''
==Later Development==
As an assisted railway, the DHR fell into the control of [[Indian Railways]] (IR) after independence. Between 1948 and 1950, the Kishanganj branch was converted to metre gauge and transferred, as part of the '''Assam Rail Link''', to the [[Assam Railway]]. In 1952, the DHR became part of [[North Eastern Railway]] but in 1958 it was transferred to the newly formed [[Northeast Frontier Railway]], an IR zone.
==Records==
Refer to FIBIS Fact File  #4: “Research sources for Indian Railways, 1845-1947” -  available from the [http://www.fibis.org/store/fibis-books-and-publications/bff-0004-research-sources-for-indian-railways-1845-1947/ Fibis shop]. This Fact File contains invaluable advice on 'Researching ancestors in the UK records of Indian Railways' with particular reference to the [[India Office Records]] (IOR) held at the [[British Library]]
An on-line search of the IOR records relating to this railway (DHR) and the DHR Extensions
<ref>[http://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?vid=IAMS_VU2 British Library “British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue”  - Search]; Retrieved 20 Jan 2016</ref> gives 6 references. The most important being:-
*'''L/F/8/17/1291''' “Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway Company Limited, Agreement; 1913 “
*'''L/F/8/20/1673''' “Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Company Limited, Supplemental Agreement; 1922”


== External links ==
== External links ==


[http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/r007.html "A Himilayan loop line"]  ''Mike's Railway History''.
*[http://www.dhrs.org/ "Welcome to the DHRS"]  ''Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society''.


[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_Himalayan_Railway "Darjeeling Himalayan Railway"]  ''Wikipedia''.
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_Himalayan_Railway "Darjeeling Himalayan Railway"]  ''Wikipedia''.


*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_F_Railway "N F Railway"] ''Wikipedia''.
*[http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/r007.html "A Himilayan loop line"]  ''Mike's Railway History''.
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D2swGCs9fs Indian Hill Railways - The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway] youtube.com. One hour BBC documentary film.
===Historical books online===
*[http://archive.org/stream/darjeelinghimal00unkngoog#page/n8/mode/2up ''The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Illustrated Guide for Tourists''] 1896 Archive.org
*[http://www.vsdh.org/vsdh/dhr_book/ ''Darjeeling & its Mountain Railway: A Guide and Souvenir published by the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway Co. Ld.''] 1921 vsdh.org


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:DHR double loop 92.jpg|View of the double loop
Image:DHR double loop 92.jpg|View of the double loop
Image:Darjeeling Railway Reversing Station.jpg‎|Darjeeling Railway. Reversing Station
Image:{filename}|{caption}
Image:{filename}|{caption}
{...}
{...}
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{#widget:Google PlusOne
|size=small
|count=true
}}
== References ==
<references />


[[Category:Railways]]
[[Category:Railways]]
[[Category:Assisted Railways]]
[[Category:Assisted Railways]]
[[Category:Indian Railways]]
[[Category:Narrow Gauge (NG) Railways]]

Latest revision as of 15:28, 19 August 2020

Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Logo
Line of route
Siliguri to Darjeeling
Siliguri to Kalimpong Road
Siliguri to Kishanganj
Gauge / mileage
2' 0" NG 51 miles (1905)
147 miles (1943)
Timeline
1879 Company formed
1880 First section opened to traffic
1881 Line opened through to Darjeeling
1913 Extension to Kishanganj planned
1948 Nationalisation
Key locations
Presidency Bengal
Stations Siliguri, Sukna, Rangtong, Chunbatti, Tindharia, Gayabari, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Dilaran, Sonada, Rangbul, Jor Bungalow, Ghum, Darjeeling
Kalimpong Road, Kishanganj
System agency
1880 Own agency
1952 North Eastern Railway (IR zone)
1958 Northeast Frontier Railway (IR zone)
How to interpret this infobox
Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway (DHR) System
Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway Map 1942

The Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway (DHR), a 2ft/610mm narrow gauge(NG) line dating from 1879 and still powered by steam, is today a major tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site.

History

Darjeeling Steam Tramway
Originally known as the ‘Darjeeling Steam Tramway’ this 2ft Narrow Gauge(NG) steam tramway operated largely in the road. Hence the appropriate name. 'Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co' constructed the railway - see separate page.

The section from Siliguri to Kurseong was opened on 23 August 1880, while the official opening of the line up to Darjeeling was on 4 July 1881. [1].
The line was extended from Kurseong to Sanada, Feb 1881; to Ghum in Apr 1881 and Darjeeling in Jul 1881, with a the last ¼ mile (0.4km) to Darjeeling Bazar in Jun 1885[2].

At the Siliguri terminus there was the connection to the Eastern Bengal Railway Broad Gauge ‘Eastern Section’. Thus connecting Darjeelingvia the EBR to Calcutta.

Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway Company
The name changed to the ‘Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway’(DHR) on the company being formed on 15th September 1881. Built between 1879 and 1881, the original line ran (and still does) for 51 miles from Siliguri (about 100m in altitude) to Darjeeling (about 2200m).

Darjeeling-Himalayan Extensions Railway
In 1913, the 2ft Narrow Gauge(NG) was extended from Siliguri south-westwards to Kishanganj. There was also a short branch from Siliguri to Kalimpong Road. Technically, these extensions were a separate company, worked by the agency of the DHR [3]. - see separate page.

Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway (DHR) System=

The ‘Statistics of Working’ show the two railways separately listed under the ‘DHR System’ with a combined mileage of 146 miles(235km) giving separately the year-by-year financial results from 1913-14 through to 1936-37[2]:-

Classification

Indian Railway Classification of 1926 - Class II railway system.

DHR Railway Workshop

See separate page Tindharia Railway Workshop

Later Development

As an assisted railway, the DHR fell into the control of Indian Railways (IR) after independence. Between 1948 and 1950, the Kishanganj branch was converted to metre gauge and transferred, as part of the Assam Rail Link, to the Assam Railway. In 1952, the DHR became part of North Eastern Railway but in 1958 it was transferred to the newly formed Northeast Frontier Railway, an IR zone.

Records

Refer to FIBIS Fact File #4: “Research sources for Indian Railways, 1845-1947” - available from the Fibis shop. This Fact File contains invaluable advice on 'Researching ancestors in the UK records of Indian Railways' with particular reference to the India Office Records (IOR) held at the British Library

An on-line search of the IOR records relating to this railway (DHR) and the DHR Extensions [4] gives 6 references. The most important being:-

  • L/F/8/17/1291 “Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway Company Limited, Agreement; 1913 “
  • L/F/8/20/1673 “Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Company Limited, Supplemental Agreement; 1922”

External links

Historical books online

Gallery

  • View of the double loop
    View of the double loop
  • Darjeeling Railway. Reversing Station
    Darjeeling Railway. Reversing Station

References

  1. ↑ Wikipedia “Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway”; Retrieved 24 Dec 2017
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 US Archive .org pdf download of ‘History Of Indian Railways, constructed and in progress’, 31 March 1937 by ‘The Government of India - Railway Department’ page 224, pdf 267; Retrieved 19 Aug 2020
  3. ↑ " Administration Report on the Railways in India – corrected up to 31st March 1918"; Superintendent of Government Printing, Calcutta; page 239-240; Retrieved 17 Dec 2015
  4. ↑ British Library “British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue” - Search; Retrieved 20 Jan 2016
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