The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway celebrates 125 years of B Class steam locomotive 782B at Ghum station. The historic event honors India’s railway heritage, featuring a heritage train, cultural performances, and restoration efforts, reaffirming Northeast Frontier Railway’s dedication to preserving this UNESCO World Heritage marvel.
In a remarkable tribute to India’s rich railway heritage, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) marked the 125th year of continuous service of the legendary B Class steam locomotive No. 782B on Thursday. The celebration, held at the iconic Ghum railway station — the highest in India — showcased the enduring legacy of this engineering marvel.
The special heritage steam train was ceremonially flagged off by Dr. C.M. Ramesh, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways. Also present at the grand event was Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, along with senior railway officials, Members of Parliament, and dignitaries.
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR, described the event as a vibrant celebration of history, engineering, and culture. Traditional music and folk dances from the Darjeeling Hills enlivened the atmosphere, reflecting the cultural richness of the region and enhancing the festive spirit.
As part of the commemorative activities, the Parliamentary Standing Committee visited the Railway Museum at Ghum. There, they were briefed on ongoing restoration and conservation efforts led by the DHR team. The committee praised the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication shown in preserving the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Manufactured in 1900 by Sharp, Stewart & Co., the B Class locomotive No. 782B is a shining example of British-era railway engineering that continues to function on the narrow-gauge tracks of the Eastern Himalayas. With 125 years of uninterrupted service, the locomotive stands as a living icon of India’s railway history and technological heritage.
This historic milestone highlights the Northeast Frontier Railway’s commitment to conserving India’s railway legacy. Operating across the northeastern states, parts of West Bengal, and north Bihar, NFR continues to uphold and showcase the glorious traditions of Indian Railways. According to Sharma, this celebration not only honors the past but also aims to inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve the country’s rich railway culture.
