Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Records Highest-Ever Monthly Revenue in May 2026
The UNESCO World Heritage railway earned a record Rs 395.60 lakh in May 2026, driven by strong tourist demand and growing popularity of heritage joy rides.
GUWAHATI: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), the iconic UNESCO World Heritage mountain railway operated by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), has achieved its highest-ever monthly revenue since inception, earning a record Rs 395.60 lakh in May 2026.
The figure surpasses the previous highest monthly revenue of Rs 358.60 lakh, recorded in May 2025, marking a significant milestone in the history of the world-famous narrow-gauge railway.
According to Northeast Frontier Railway, the record-breaking performance was primarily driven by strong passenger demand during the peak tourist season. Heritage joy rides, which remain one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Darjeeling, witnessed high patronage alongside regular passenger services operating through the scenic Himalayan landscape.
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Railway officials attributed the achievement to the growing popularity of the heritage railway among domestic and international tourists, as well as continued efforts to improve passenger amenities and promote heritage tourism.
Revenue figures over the last five years indicate a sustained growth trajectory. DHR earned Rs 319.64 lakh in May 2022, Rs 358.18 lakh in May 2023, Rs 288.58 lakh in May 2024, Rs 358.60 lakh in May 2025, and a record Rs 395.60 lakh in May 2026.
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The latest figures reflect the increasing appeal of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the “Toy Train,” which continues to attract visitors seeking a unique heritage travel experience through the hills of Darjeeling.
Encouraged by strong booking trends and passenger traffic, Northeast Frontier Railway expects the momentum to continue. Revenue for June 2026 is projected to exceed Rs 370 lakh, potentially making it one of the highest revenue-generating June months in the railway’s history.
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The achievement highlights the growing role of heritage tourism in supporting regional economic activity. Tourism linked to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway contributes significantly to local businesses, hospitality services and employment opportunities in the Darjeeling region.
Northeast Frontier Railway stated that it remains committed to preserving the historic legacy of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway while enhancing service quality, operational safety and visitor experience. The railway’s strong financial performance also underscores its importance as one of India’s most celebrated heritage attractions and a key driver of tourism in the Eastern Himalayas.
