The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has come up with a new initiative to ease the ticketing process of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) toy train, recognised by the Unesco as a world heritage mountain railway.

According to railway sources, the DHR has joined hands with digital wallet company Paytm to launch a QR code-based ticketing system.

“The system has been in¬troduced on November 2 and anybody intending to take a ride on the toy train can simply purchase digital tickets through the Paytm app. It enables commuters to book tickets without being physically present on the railway station, increasing their convenience,” said a source in NFR.

A senior railway official pointed out that on a number of occasions, they have received queries from tourists and toy train enthusiasts on how tickets can be booked for a Joy Ride, the most popular train ride between Darjeeling and Ghoom.

“Anyone coming to Darjeeling hills can easily book the tickets now via Paytm. The available train services, status of booking and other details will also be available on the app. While travelling, they only need to show digital tickets to the ticket collector. This new facility, we believe, will draw more people to the toy train,” he said.

Railway authorities have also lined up the Ghoom Festival between November 13 and December 5 to draw tourists. Ghoom is the highest station in India at an elevation of 2,258 metres.

Food fests, joy rides, her¬itage and tea walks, forest trails and cultural events would be a part of the festival.

“We have launched a website, www.ghumdhr.com, for the fest,” said a DHR official.

During the past few months, especially after the Centre planned to monetise the heritage mountain railway along with many other governmentrun facilities, the NFR and DHR authorities have introduced many new services such as Jungle Tea Safari and Red Panda. The New Jalpaiguri–Darjeeling train service has resumed.

Also, they are aggressively publicising the option of chartering a train for social or business events.