DHR trundles towards takeover

A team of RITES was in the region to prepare a feasibility report on the takeover of the world heritage site and at the same time they also inspect the mechanical and technical aspects of the rail, including the condition of the tracks and coaches.

Mr. R. D. Sharma said that they have already completed their survey on the feasibility of the proposed plan and now they are in the process to compiling the final report. Within 15 days they will be able to present this report before the `Railway Board for final clearance. The railways have verbally agreed to hand over this heritage to RITES,` added Mr. Sharma. According to Mr. Sharma DHR held lot of potential for earning tourism but it needed proper packaging and marketing.

Mr. Sharma said, `We came to know it that 20,000 tourists comes here in North Bengal and Sikkim region every year but very few can take a ride on the DHR. It shows that if there would be an aggressive promotion drive then DHR would get huge tourists.` The train was started in 1880 and if the deal comes off then it will be the first train to be taken over by the RITES. This news of taking over the track has also brought hope among tour operators of the region and they are optimistic that this hand over will brings better days for the heritage train. The world heritage will be able to stand on its own legs once again if this hand over deal comes off.

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