Guwahati, Oct 5 (IANS) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) organised the Sukna Station Mahotsav to commemorate 146 years of the architectural heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, officials said on Monday.
The programme was attended by the NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava and several senior railway officials and distinguished dignitaries, highlighting the railway’s commitment towards preserving its historic assets and promoting community participation.
NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that during the celebration, the General Manager inaugurated the newly renovated Sukna Museum, which showcases the rich history and operational legacy of DHR, and released its first DHR Volume of Collector’s Edition related to its Heritage and History.
Students from Narayana School, Siliguri and Sukna School presented vibrant cultural performances. Essay and drawing competitions were also organised, with the top three winners in each category receiving DHR certificates. Artist Ajay Sarkar presented a live nail art demonstration, and the artwork was formally handed over to the Station Manager of Sukna.
Following the programme, the General Manager flagged off the 125-year-old heritage locomotive 780B and a flat wagon that has been restored after 36 years at the historic Tindharia Railway Workshop, Sharma said.
The Giddaypahar siding was also restored and reopened after 21 years to strengthen the operational capacity of DHR. A new barrack for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was also inaugurated at Giddaypahar to improve facilities for security personnel and support railway protection.
The celebrations brought together heritage preservation, infrastructure development and local participation for DHR. Through the restoration of vintage rolling stock, renovation of heritage facilities and improvement of operational and security infrastructure, NFR continues to safeguard DHR’s unique legacy while supporting its continued service to the region as well as the entire nation.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.
–IANS
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