The Summer Festival 2022 of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was launched at the New Jalpaiguri station on Tuesday. SK Choudhury, the divisional railway manager of the Katihar division of the Northeast Frontier Railway, flagged off the month-long fest that will conclude in Darjeeling on March 31.

“The principal objective for this festival is to promote the toy train... we would simultaneously like to promote the rich cultural and tourist attractions of Darjeeling hills,” Choudhury said.

The toy train service from Tuesday also became more comfortable for tourists as the railways introduced airconditioned coaches in its regular service between NJP and Darjeeling. A diesel loco will haul two AC and one firstclass coach from NJP and Darjeeling every day, said sources.

From April 1, all Joy Rides of the DHR — the most popular ride for tourists between Darjeeling and Ghoom — will have vistadome coaches, said NFR officials.