Darjeeling Mail Route Change: How 2nd Change In 145-Year History Saved 90 Mins - Decoding Mystery

The Darjeeling Mail, a favoured option for tourists end route to Darjeeling, is proposed to run on an alternative route, minimizing both the distance and travel duration. Previously traversing Bangladesh, the train now follows a course through Ranaghat Junction to Malda via Behrampur and Azimganj Junction.  

This adjustment is anticipated to reduce the journey time by nearly 90 minutes, allowing passengers to arrive at New Jalpaiguri by 7 am instead of 8:30 am. The implementation of the new route is expected to take effect by March 2024. 

The Darjeeling Mail, connecting Sealdah and Haldibari and renowned among tourists traveling to Darjeeling, is now adopting an alternative route, expected to commence in March of the upcoming year.  

This adjustment will curtail the distance between the terminal stations by 80 kilometers and trim the journey duration by approximately 90 minutes. Notably, this route alteration will mark the second change in the train's 145-year history. 

Before Independence, the train previously traversed what is now Bangladesh before switching to its current route. The revised course will guide the train through Ranaghat Junction to Malda via Behrampur and Azimganj Junction, departing from the previously circuitous Burdwan-Bolpur route.  

According to railway sources, after reaching New Jalpaiguri, the train will continue its journey to Haldibari via Jalpaiguri.

Highlights of Changes Made by Indian Railways in 145 years History 

First Run: Jan 1^st, 1878. 

Route: Sealdah-Ranaghat-Bheramar-Hardinge Bridge-Iswardi-Santahar-Hili-Parbatipur-Nilphamari-Haldibari-Jalpaiguri-Siliguri. 

First route changed in 1965 through Burdwan-Bolpur-Makda-Kishanganj-NJP. 

On August 15, 2022 the train was extended upto Haldibari

Currently the train covers a total of 630 km. 

Proposed Route by Indian Railways 

Sealdah-Ranaghat Junction-Behrampur Court-Azimganj Junction-Malda-Kishanganj-NJP-Jalpaiguri-Haldibari. 

Estimated time to be cut short by one and half hours after adapting the proposed route. 

"Trial operations and signal-testing are scheduled to be completed by February 2024," said a senior railway official. 

The proposed route, conceived over 12 years ago, faced delays due to challenges in land acquisition, particularly in constructing the Nashipur-Azimganj rail bridge over the Bhagirathi. 

However, overcoming these hurdles, the bridge is now fully constructed, with tracks laid and electrification completed, according to railway officials. This new route is expected to establish a direct connection between Murshidabad and Delhi. 

Short History Behind the Route 

The Nashipur-Azimganj rail bridge spans the Bhagirathi, connecting Murshidabad station and Azimganj Junction. While the bridge originally made during the British Raj, it was dismantled during World War II.  

The Azimganj-Nalhati railway line, initiated in 1872, has historical significance, and the Darjeeling Mail, inaugurated in 1878, initially completed its journey in two sections.