NFR Celebrates 146 Years of DHR’s Architectural Heritage at Sukna

Hills Live News,Maligaon, October 5: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) marked the 146th anniversary of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Sukna Station Mahotsav on October 3. The event highlighted NFR’s commitment to preserving historic railway assets while fostering community participation.

General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, along with senior officials and dignitaries, inaugurated the newly renovated Sukna Museum showcasing DHR’s rich legacy. He also released the first Collector’s Edition volume on DHR’s heritage and history. The celebrations featured cultural performances by students of Narayana School, Siliguri, and Sukna School, as well as essay and drawing competitions, with winners receiving DHR certificates. Artist Ajay Sarkar’s live nail art demonstration added a creative touch, with the artwork formally handed over to the Sukna Station Manager.

In a symbolic gesture of heritage preservation, the General Manager flagged off the 125-year-old locomotive 780B and a restored flat wagon, revived after 36 years at the historic Tindharia Railway Workshop. The reopening of the Giddaypahar siding after 21 years further strengthened DHR’s operational capacity. A new barrack for Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel was also inaugurated at Giddaypahar, enhancing security infrastructure.

The Sukna Station Mahotsav brought together heritage conservation, infrastructure development, and local engagement. Through restoration of vintage rolling stock, renovation of heritage facilities, and improved operational and security measures, NFR reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding DHR’s unique legacy while ensuring its continued service to the region and the nation.