The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has decided to introduce a number of new facilities in the toy train service of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) during the upcoming festive season so that more passengers can ride the heritage mountain railway.

Over the past few years, there has been a steady rise in passengers of the toy train. “We have decided to introduce four more joy rides between Darjeeling and Ghoom stations from October 1. All these rides will be run by diesel locos. The decision has been taken to provide more room passengers as rush for joy rides increases during tourist seasons,” said an official of NFR.

As of now, eight joy ride trains are available for tourists every day. In the hills, the ride between Darjeeling and Ghoom is the most popular service among tourists. In each of these joy ride trains, a diesel loco hauls three first class chair car coaches and can accommodate 89 passengers at a time.Authorities have also decided to induct an additional coach in the regular train service from October 1. ]Every day, a pair of trains runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling.

“On way to Darjeeling, an additional coach will be added in Kurseong so that more people can take the regular service. While returning, the coach will be detached in Kurseong. The one-way fare from Kurseong to Darjeeling has been fixed at Rs 750,” the official added.

As of now, the NFR has decided to run these new services —additional joy rides and the additional coach in the regular service — till December 31.“These services can be extended if there is a consistent flow of tourists,” said a source.The DHR, which was introduced back in 1881, celebrated its 140th anniversary earlier this week. In 1999, Unesco recognised it as a world heritage site.