Toy trains between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling will run on alternatedays till May 5 because ofa shortage of diesel locomotives.

“Maintenance work is being done on two locos. That’s why toy trains will ply between NJP and Darjeeling only on alternate days,” said a Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) official.

Although the DHR has 13 century-old steam andsix diesel engines, onlydiesel engines are used tohaul the coaches from NJPto Darjeeling and vice-versaas they are faster than the steam ones.

A DHR coach can accommodate around 33 passengers. The distance between these two stations in the plainsand the hills is around 88km.

An official source said they were expecting to resume regular services along the stretch from May 6.

According to a source in the NFR, there is a huge rush of tourists in the hills currently, leading to a big demand for the joy rides offered by the DHR between Darjeeling and Ghoom.

“We are managing the season’s rush with 12 rides daily with the help of steam and diesel locos,” said a source.