In a touching gesture to mark Children’s Day, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is set to host a special heritage train ride for specially-abled children, giving them a rare chance to experience the magic of the world-famous toy train.
The ride, planned for November 14, will run along a picturesque stretch of the narrow-gauge route—one of the steepest and most celebrated mountain railways in the world. DHR officials said the idea was to create “an unforgettable day of joy, dignity, and inclusion” for children who often face mobility and accessibility challenges.
A Day Crafted for Joy
Around dozens of children from various special schools and support organisations across Darjeeling and Kurseong are expected to join the journey. Teachers, parents, caregivers, and a specially trained railway staff team will accompany them, ensuring each child receives personalised attention throughout the trip.
Coordinators said the children will be welcomed with songs, balloons, and a small ceremony before boarding. During the ride, interactive sessions, storytelling, and fun activities have been planned to keep the young passengers engaged.
Inclusive Initiative by a Heritage Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has often conducted community-oriented programmes, but officials say this event holds particular emotional significance.
“Many of these children see the toy train pass by every day but rarely get the chance to sit inside, feel the whistle, or watch the hills roll by from the window,” a senior DHR official noted. “Children’s Day felt like the perfect occasion to change that.”
To accommodate the needs of the group, the railways have made temporary accessibility adjustments for boarding and seating, along with medical support on standby.
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Celebrating Childhood, Beyond Barriers
Local organisations have welcomed the initiative, saying it reinforces the message that heritage spaces and public experiences should be accessible to all.
For the children, many of whom are first-time passengers on the toy train, the experience is expected to be one of excitement and discovery—an opportunity to feel included in a cultural symbol that has long defined life in the hills.
As Darjeeling prepares for the event, the sight of the iconic blue engine pulling a coach full of delighted children promises to be one of the most heartwarming moments of this year’s Children’s Day celebrations.
