The toy train service of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) between New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Darjeeling has been suspended till at least September 6 following landslides near Tindharia in Darjeeling on September 1.

“The toy train service has been suspended from NJP to Darjeeling till September 6 because of the landslides. However, considering the intense spell of downpour which the region is experiencing every day, it seems we may have to extend the suspension for another three-four days. There is always a risk of landslides or debris blocking the tracks. We cannot afford to take risks unless the weather improves,” said an official of the DHR.

Over the past three-four days, Siliguri, the hills and Sikkim have experienced heavy rainfall. Landslides occurred on NH55 — the toy train tracks run parallel to it — on September 1 between Rongtong and Tindharia, 26km from Siliguri.

“The tracks are intact but rubble is falling on them because of rain. We have to wait until rain stops,” the DHR official said.

On Saturday, senior officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), including the director of the DHR and additional divisional railway manager posted in the NJP, visited the spot with engineers.

They have given necessary instructions to the workers to carry out restoration work but without damaging the track.

According to weather experts, there is a forecast of heavy rainfall for 48 hours in the region.

Meanwhile, the slide and the suspension of service have left stakeholders of the tourism industry perturbed.

“We hope weather conditions will improve and the restoration work will be carried out in the next seven to 10 days. This is because tourists will start flocking in the hills from the third week of this month,” said a hotelier based in Darjeeling.