782B Steam Engine – Darjeeling’s Legendary Steam Locomotive Marks 125 Years of Glorious Service
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) recently celebrated a remarkable milestone — 125 years of continuous service of its iconic B Class steam locomotive No. 782B. Built in 1900 by Sharp, Stewart & Co., this legendary engine continues to chug along the narrow-gauge tracks of the Eastern Himalayas, a proud symbol of both heritage and engineering brilliance.
To mark the occasion, a special heritage steam train was ceremonially flagged off from the historic Ghum Railway Station — India’s highest railway station — by Dr. CM Ramesh, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, and Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway.
The event was a vibrant blend of history, culture, and celebration, attended by Members of Parliament, senior railway officials, and local dignitaries. A colourful cultural programme featuring traditional music and folk dances of the Darjeeling Hills added a festive charm to the proceedings.
As part of the commemorative activities, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee also visited the Ghum Railway Museum, where they were briefed on ongoing restoration and conservation initiatives undertaken by the DHR. The committee praised the efforts and craftsmanship dedicated to preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Locomotive No. 782B remains a living relic of the British-era railway legacy and a testament to the durability of early railway engineering. Its continued operation highlights the unwavering commitment of Northeast Frontier Railway to safeguard and promote India’s rich railway heritage.
“This historic milestone not only honours the past but also inspires future generations to appreciate and protect our cultural and technological legacy,” said Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of NF Railway, in an official release.
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