The construction of this line is considered a unique engineering feat because of the steep gradient, sharp curves, Z - crossings, and loops incorporated in the line. There is an interesting story on how the construction engineer of the project suffered a major hitch once the line reached Tindharia as the erosion in the hills made it nearly impossible to employ a gradient within the limits of rail transport. The engineer was almost on the verge of abandoning the project when his wife reportedly said, "if you cannot go ahead lets go back". Back was the catch behind the idea of a 'Z' - crossing where the train is first pushed backward through an up gradient to reach a considerable height before preceeding ahead and the line takes the shape of the letter 'Z'. There are 6 such 'Z' - reverses along the 87.48 km journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The line is laid more or less on the same alignment as the Hill Cart Road, which cries-crosses the line at 177 points. There are three loops in the line, most famous being the Batasia Loop between Ghoom and Darjeeling. Apart from these, the section has five major and 498 minor bridges. Ghoom is the highest railway station in the world to be reached by steam locomotive. The project cost at that time was Rs. 52,000.
The Darjeeling Himalayan section has it's own workshop at Tindharia where the major overhauling of locomotives, carriages and wagons is undertaken, besides manufacturing of spares. The workshop also deals with casting of ferrous and non-ferrous materials in its own foundry shop and manufacturing of spring of different types in the blacksmith Shop to meet the requirement of the sectionl. One of the oldest locomotives of this section has been sent to the National Rail Museum, New Delhi.
copyright © Benoy Thapa, Darjeeling, India - 2001