Kurseong, West Bengal: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has launched two special toy train services between Kurseong and Mahanadi, opening up another scenic railway experience for tourists visiting the Darjeeling hills.
The newly introduced services, named ‘Red Panda’ and ‘Muktadhara’, offer passengers the choice of travelling on a traditional steam locomotive or a diesel-powered train. The initiative is expected to strengthen tourism in the Kurseong region while giving visitors an opportunity to experience the historic mountain railway.
According to a report published by Sikkim Express on October 12, 2026, the service was inaugurated at Kurseong railway station by Ramesh Kumar, Assistant General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). The launch ceremony marked the introduction of the new tourist-focused round-trip service.
The Red Panda service operates with a steam locomotive, allowing passengers to experience the traditional charm of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Meanwhile, Muktadhara is powered by a diesel locomotive and provides an alternative for visitors wishing to explore the same route.
DHR Director Rishab Chaudhary said the services were introduced in response to tourist demand and would allow passengers to appreciate the scenic surroundings along the Kurseong–Mahanadi stretch.
The reported schedule places the Red Panda service at noon, while Muktadhara is scheduled for the afternoon at 3:15 pm. The fares reported at the launch were approximately ₹1,500 for the steam journey and ₹1,000 for the diesel service. Travellers should confirm the latest timings and ticket prices with the railway before planning their trip.
The new services are expected to give a fresh push to tourism in and around Kurseong, a hill town known for its tea gardens, mountain scenery and railway heritage.
Railway authorities have also indicated plans to develop Giddepahar, a location along the route, as an additional tourist attraction. A brief stop there during the train journeys is being considered.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the region’s most distinctive attractions. Its narrow-gauge tracks, historic locomotives and picturesque routes continue to draw railway enthusiasts and travellers from across India and abroad.
With the launch of Red Panda and Muktadhara, the DHR is seeking to combine its historic legacy with new opportunities for tourism, offering visitors another way to discover the beauty of the Darjeeling hills.
