Stakeholder Workshop on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) for Community & Environment through a Stakeholders Workshop with UNESCO in Jan 2002 for Capacity building of Heritage & Tourism for Sustainable Development & Management.

Background to the stakeholders workshop

    A South Asia Seminar on heritage tourism and sustainable development was organized in Bhopal, India in January 2000. Dr Amareswar Galla, Chairperson Asia Pacific Organisation of the International Council of Museums (ASPAC-ICOM), and Principal Technical Adviser to the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Area Ecomuseum Project in Vietnam facilitated the proceedings. National Rail Museum had participated and made presentations. It was proposed to hold a training workshop at Darjeeling to consider its significance as a world heritage area and the possibilities for bringing the neighbouring communities together for the sustainable development of the area without compromising the conservation values. UNESCO office in India and Indian National Commission for Co-operation with UNESCO favoured the proposal and also, a follow-up was suggested to the UNESCO’s workshop Darjeeling – Past, Present & Future held during 17^th to 19^th December ‘1997. The bureau of the World Heritage Committee approved this at its 24^th session in June 2001.

    This Railway needs to be operated as a preserved heritage tourist Railway and get necessary community support as is done in similar such systems in other parts of the world.  The following problems that are severely affecting the Railway: -

1.        Suitable Tourist Circuit: During Darjeeling’s Workshop on Past, Present & Future, a resolution was as follows(item 4.5):-

“The Railway and its route to be made into a dynamic tourist circuit with cultural notices along the route with local cuisine, music, performances, guide services within the car, supported by a Museum, which ties the history of the Railway with the history of the events of different towns, pioneers and prospectors along the route.”

2.        Original Rolling Stock: The Darjeeling Steam Locomotives, icons of this Railway, are between 70 years and 110 years old. There are problems in maintenance but the lovers of this mountain Railway in India & abroad are receiving news of the introduction of diesel locomotives with hesitation and regret. Similarly, the coaches also are working without technological inputs such as vacuum/air brakes, roller bearings, lights, toilets, suitable riding qualities etc. Old skills will have to be passed on and volunteer support built up.

3.        Urban degradation: Encroachments, infringements of buffer zones, unauthorised constructions and deforestation are adversely affecting this world heritage site. The Railway’s own station buildings and architecture need urgent attention all along the line. Also, an action plan is required for preventing landslides.

4.        Viability: Economic viability, staff rightsizing, support, Tourism potential aspects need to be considered in the perspective of world heritage, heritage tourism and sustainable tourist activity. Additional sources of income for the Railway through commercial utilization of land, workshop, building, hospital and other resources, revenue through sale of souvenirs, contracts for stalls, food, beverages and advertising and event management can be planned.

    There are over 100 heritage steam Railways operating successfully. The Ffestiniog Railway in Wales, UK has historical links and is similar to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The Steam Railway in Victoria, Australia with the formation of the “Puffing Billy Preservation Society” is operating successfully and can serve as a model. “Semmering Railway” in Austria, world’s first and only other Railway World heritage site could also be studied in relation with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. These particular Railway models together with other relevant perspectives can serve as inputs to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to help in revitalizing this Railway for better operation, better attraction and a better World Heritage site.

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