UNESCO recognised 'Mountain Railways of India' as a heritage, terming them as outstanding examples of innovative transportation systems built through difficult terrain that impacted those regions in terms of social and economic development. New Delhi: While talking about UNESCO Heritage Sites in India, we tend to talk about the historical monuments and natural wonders. But what about railways, the mode of transport which is possibly the most popular and most used in our country, one that connects every part of the land? Yes, it has a place on the heritage list.
Infact, UNESCO recognised ‘Mountain Railways of India’ as a heritage, terming them as outstanding examples of innovative transportation systems built through difficult terrain that impacted those regions in terms of social and economic development. Under the Mountain Railways of India, UNESCO considers three railways. The three heritage Mountain Railways of India Darjeeling Himalayan Railway The main feature of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is its Toy Train which runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal.
The 88 km long journey takes place in the Toy Train and the railways were built between 1879 and 1881. It starts from an elevation of about 330 ft above sea level at New Jalpaiguri and ends up at an elevation of 7,200 ft at Darjeeling. Six diesel locomotives handle most of the scheduled service and the headquarters of the railway are at Kurseong.
Notably, the train passes through six zigzag reve.