Darjeeling: In a major relief for tourists and locals alike, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has kicked off a comprehensive pre-monsoon safety drive to ensure the iconic toy train continues to run smoothly even during the rainy season.

Learning from repeated disruptions caused by landslides in previous years, the Railways has begun intensive monitoring along the vulnerable Sukna–Darjeeling stretch.

Around 60 personnel have been deployed on the ground, divided into multiple sections, conducting daily foot inspections of the tracks to identify early warning signs.

Officials said the checks are highly detailed, covering everything from minor cracks on tracks to soil instability and potential landslide zones. Any issue detected is immediately flagged to the engineering teams, triggering swift repairs, slope stabilisation work, and drainage clearance to prevent water accumulation, a key cause of hill collapses.

The DHR route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is particularly prone to monsoon disruptions due to its steep gradients, sharp curves, and fragile hill terrain. Every year, landslides between New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Darjeeling lead to service suspensions, impacting tourism and daily commuters.

To address this, railway authorities have also strengthened disaster-response preparedness. Special teams have been kept on standby to respond quickly to major landslides, while efforts such as vegetation control, improved water runoff systems, and trackside reinforcement are being prioritised.

DHR Director Rishabh Choudhury said the focus this year is on prevention rather than reaction. “Early detection of small issues can help us avoid major disruptions. Our teams are working continuously to ensure safe and uninterrupted services,” he said.

The pre-monsoon drive will continue throughout the rainy season, signalling a shift towards proactive infrastructure management. For travellers planning a Darjeeling trip, this could mean fewer cancellations and a more reliable ride on one of India’s most cherished heritage railways.