Rs 1.41 crore earned in 3 weeks: What is the fare for the Darjeeling Toy Train?

By October 21, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) had carried approximately 12,000 passengers on its heritage toy train 'joy rides.' During this period, the railway generated earnings of Rs 1.41 crore.

During holidays, people often travel with friends and family to destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Darjeeling. For any tourist, a journey on the toy train amidst the beautiful hills of Darjeeling is a unique experience. The historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is renowned for its stunning scenery. If you are planning a trip to Darjeeling and wish to experience the toy train, it is worth knowing what the fare is.

Notably, between October 1 and October 21, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) facilitated travel for around 12,000 passengers through its heritage toy train joy rides. Significantly, the railway’s earnings during this time reached into the crores.

How much was earned?

According to reports, the railway earned Rs 1.41 crore during this period. This indicates that the number of tourists opting for this train journey is steadily increasing.

Services introduced on shorter routes

Due to the growing number of tourists, this UNESCO World Heritage railway has taken a significant step. It has introduced special joy ride services on shorter routes, allowing tourists to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Darjeeling hills. This raises the question: what is the fare for these rides?

What is the fare? The 'Joy Ride' toy train, which runs between Darjeeling and Ghum station, is one of the most popular journeys. The trip lasts for two hours; during this time, the train passes through the Batasia Loop before reaching Ghum station and subsequently returning to Darjeeling. The fare for this route depends on the type of engine chosen—in other words, ticket prices vary based on the coach and the engine.

For a first-class seat on a train powered by a diesel engine, the fare is approximately ₹1,000 per person.
Meanwhile, for the steam-engine-powered toy train, the fare is approximately ₹1,500 to ₹1,600 per person.

How to book tickets?

You can book your tickets through the official IRCTC website. Please note that tickets sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book a few days in advance. Additionally, ticket fares may vary depending on the date and the type of engine; therefore, be sure to check the fare beforehand.