The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway collected Rs 39.56 million (mn) in May 2026, its highest single-month revenue since operations began. This figure surpassed the previous monthly record of Rs 35.86 mn set in May 2025 and reflected strong tourist footfall in the Darjeeling hills during the peak summer travel period. The narrow-gauge line runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling across 87 kilometres of hill terrain and holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Revenue for the May travel window has shown a broadly rising trajectory over the past five years. The railway recorded Rs 31.96 mn in May 2022 and Rs 35.82 mn in May 2023, with a lone dip to Rs 28.86 mn in May 2024 that officials attributed to the Lok Sabha elections and phased polling across West Bengal. The rebound to Rs 35.86 mn in May 2025 and the latest increase underline a recovery in leisure travel to the hills.

Officials said the momentum was expected to carry into June, with projected revenue for June 2026 put at Rs 37.00 mn, signalling another strong performance as the summer season extended into the early monsoon. The most sought-after service on the route remained the tourist joyride between Darjeeling and Ghoom, which includes a halt at the Batasia Loop and clear views of Kanchenjunga on good days. The railway also operated services with a vistadome coach and a restaurant car aimed at the premium end of the tourist market.

The section climbs from roughly 500 feet at Siliguri Junction to 7,408 feet at Ghum, the second highest railway station in the world accessible by steam locomotive, before descending slightly to Darjeeling at 9,012 feet and negotiating this ascent through five reverses and three loops. Scheduled fares on the full run from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri were Rs 1,420 for first class and Rs 1,700 for an AC chair car, while shorter segments and weekend tourist services were priced lower. Officials said the sustained interest from domestic and foreign visitors had supported commercial viability for heritage operations.