If you are someone who loves take a ride on heritage mountain railways and are fascinated by railway coaches, equipment and engineering, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Museum in Ghum must be on your list. Ghum railway station is part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway line and is located at a height of 2,258 metres above sea level. Replete with heritage and vintage vibes, this tiny station is India’s highest railway station.
While a ride on the DHR is indeed a memorable experience a visit to the railway museum in Ghum station is equally interesting. It is one of the three DHR museums with the other two located in Sukna and Kurseong stations respectively.
Engaging Display
The museum in Ghum which was opened in the year 2000 is divided into two sections; an outdoor section which is located adjacent to the track and an indoor section which is located on the first floor above the station building. The former is a large fenced area and houses a number of antique railway carriages and engines including the 1881 Baby Sivok. The latter was the oldest toy train engine of the DHR. This German built engine was originally a contractors locomotive which was run initially on burning wood but later converted to burn coal in 1953.
The outdoor section has several other vintage coaches dating to as early as the 1940s.
Treasure Trove of Information
The indoor section is housed in a half timbered building with a gable roof. There are several photographs highlighting the importance world heritage and why the same should be preserved and protected. The history of the DHR and facts about other mountain railways like the Kalka Shimla railway as well as the Nilgiri mountain railways has been well elucidated.
The nomenclature including the meaning of the different DHR stations is explained as well. The fact file of DHR right from the initial planning phase in 1830 to its opening in 1881 is indeed interesting. Coupled with rare photographers taken during the construction phase, this section of the display is compelling to say the least.
The details of features like loops and Z-reverses that were designed to combat challenges like the steepness of the gradient is well explained. In a loop, the train is made to gain height by the track circling round and passing over itself by tracing the natural contours at the end of a spur of a hill. A Z-reverse also helps the train gain height along the side of a hill.
Rare Objects and Artefacts
Further on display are several artefacts like old telephones, typewriters, station lamps, station master uniforms, luggage trolleys and even furniture that reflect the life and times of the yesteryears. Other artefacts include the station master’s rule book, pad lock and whistles.
The conservation efforts are also well documented making the museum a must visit if you happen to visit Darjeeling or Kalimpong.
Click here to read about another heritage mountain railway, the Brienz Rothorn Railway in Switzerland.
