Darjeeling's Historic Steam Locomotive 782B Celebrates 125 Years
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Guwahati, April 17 (NationPress) In a remarkable homage to India’s rich railway legacy, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) celebrated the 125th anniversary of the iconic B Class steam locomotive number 782B, marking its continuous operation.
Key Takeaways
- 125 years of service for locomotive 782B.
- Flagged off from Ghum, India’s highest railway station.
- Cultural programs showcasing local traditions.
- UNESCO World Heritage site preservation efforts.
- Commitment to railway heritage by NFR.
Guwahati, April 17 (NationPress) In a remarkable homage to India’s rich railway legacy, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) on Thursday marked the 125th anniversary of the continuous operation of the iconic B Class steam locomotive number 782B.
The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, stated that a special heritage steam train was ceremoniously flagged off from the renowned Ghum railway station, the highest railway station in India, by C.M. Ramesh, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways.
NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava was also present at this joyful celebration. Sharma mentioned that the event was a lively tribute to history, engineering, and culture.
Dignitaries, including Members of Parliament and senior railway officials, gathered at Ghum station to witness this significant occasion.
A cultural program featuring traditional music and folk dances from the Darjeeling Hills infused a festive atmosphere into the event.
As part of the commemorative activities, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee visited the Railway Museum at Ghum, where they received updates on ongoing restoration and conservation efforts led by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
The committee praised the craftsmanship and commitment involved in preserving this UNESCO World Heritage site.
B Class locomotive No. 782B, built in 1900 by Sharp, Stewart & Co., continues to navigate the narrow-gauge tracks of the Eastern Himalayas.
With 125 years of uninterrupted service, this locomotive remains a living emblem of British-era railway engineering and the lasting legacy of Indian Railways.
This historic milestone highlights the dedication of Northeast Frontier Railways to safeguarding its cultural and technological heritage while inspiring future generations, Sharma remarked.
The NFR operates across the northeastern states, seven districts of West Bengal, and five districts of north Bihar.
