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Darjeeling’s hill toy train joyrides restart today, October 1, with extra services for the Puja-to-winter rush. Northeast Frontier Railway is running additional diesel runs on Darjeeling–Ghum and steam-and-diesel specials on Kurseong–Mahanadi through January 3, 2027. Seats are limited on peak days, so check availability early on IRCTC before planning local sightseeing blocks. The DHR heritage loop still includes Batasia and Ghum Museum halts.
Today’s first Darjeeling–Ghum diesel joyride departs Darjeeling at 9:20 am (02545), with the return from Ghum at 10:25 am (02546). A second pair runs 11:25 am (02547) and 12:30 pm (02548). From Kurseong, the Red Panda steam special does a 9:00–11:00 am round trip; Mukta Dhara diesel runs 3:15–5:00 pm. These operate daily from October 1 to January 3.
Darjeeling toy train joyride schedule and bookings
| Train | Route | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02545 | Darjeeling → Ghum | 09:20 | 10:05 |
| 02546 | Ghum → Darjeeling | 10:25 | 11:05 |
| 02547 | Darjeeling → Ghum | 11:25 | 12:10 |
| 02548 | Ghum → Darjeeling | 12:30 | 13:10 |
Book on IRCTC: search From “Darjeeling (DJ)” to “Darjeeling Joyride (DJRZ)”, pick date, then First Class or Vistadome if listed. Joyride tickets include a 10‑minute Batasia photo halt and Ghum Museum entry. For views of Batasia’s spiral, choose a right‑hand window seat when heading toward Ghum. Vistadome coaches are deployed in season on DHR joyrides.
Puja‑week fares signpost demand: Darjeeling–Ghum diesel is around ₹800; Kurseong–Mahanadi Red Panda steam is ₹1,530. If plans change, Railways’ 2026 rules apply: cancel 72–24 hours before departure for 25% deduction; 24–8 hours, 50% deduction; inside 8 hours, no refund. File cancellations via IRCTC to avoid higher losses.
Carry a rain layer today; IMD’s district forecast for October 1 shows thunderstorm with rain but no formal warning. Landslides recently choked NH10; the corridor has reopened to one‑way traffic in places, so build buffer time and check the NH10 Status app for live advisories. Use prepaid taxi counters at NJP and Bagdogra; shared jeeps run mainly daytime. Allow three hours for airport or rail transfers.