JOIN USAfter remaining silent for nearly six months, the whistle started to again blow on Friday along with the most recognisable sounds of huffing and puffing.
The iconic heritage narrow gauge toy train of Darjeeling resumed its full-length journey from Siliguri in the plains to the hill station.
The service was suspended along the route since the Gorkhaland agitation gathered steam earlier this year and several railway stations were vandalised and some event set on fire.
Authorities suspended services in June and had started gradually start operations in some selected sections last month on a trial basis.
"We had started some operations along a small section in the hills, but to resume full operations, we had to fix the tracks, clear debris and also repair some essential elements related to train running in the stations. After those things were taken care of, train running along the full stretch started today (Friday)," said a senior official of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR).
Darjeeling is also gearing up to witness a unique show of two of its most iconic heritages - the Land Rover SUVs and the toy train - running together soon after Christmas.
The event will happen as part of a tourism fest from December 27 to woo tourists to the trouble-torn hills and to send a message that all is well in Darjeeling.
"Both the Toy Train and the Land Rover are intricately related to Darjeeling and are inseparable. So, we have planned a Land Rover rally from Ghoom, where the old workhorses will assemble and then cruise along with the train. This will showcase both heritages together in a unique manner," said Buddha Tamang, one of the organisers.