The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage site under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), continues to captivate visitors from around the world throughout the year. In a significant move to promote and preserve this heritage marvel, NFR has restored the century-old vintage steam engine, known as ‘Baby Sivok’ and added it to the many attractions of the DHR.
This remarkable restoration effort was unveiled on 7th of December, 2024 during the Ghum Winter Festival, where the steam engine was officially flagged off by Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of NFR. The ‘Baby Sivok’ is now proudly displayed at Ghum, offering tourists a tangible link to the railway’s rich legacy.
The steam engine ‘Baby Sivok’ started life more than a hundred years ago as a contractor’s locomotive engine from Orenstein & Koppel in Germany. It is believed to have been instrumental in the construction of the Teesta Valley and Kishanganj branches of the DHR, earning its name from Sivok station on the Teesta Valley line.
After decades of service, the engine retired in the 1970s and was displayed in Siliguri during the late 1990s. Since 2000, it had been an outdoor exhibit at Ghum station, where it gradually fell into disrepair. Recognizing its historical value, the steam engine was transported to the Tindharia Workshop, where it underwent meticulous restoration by the skilled in-house staff of NFR, bringing it back to life while preserving its original charm.
The restoration of the ‘Baby Sivok’ steam engine represents a milestone in the conservation of DHR’s heritage. This effort not only preserves a tangible piece of history but also serves as a focal point to celebrate the engineering marvels of the past. Its display at Ghum enriches the tourist experience, providing an opportunity to appreciate the unique heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
To ensure the continued preservation and promotion of the DHR, NFR actively engages with various stakeholders, including tour operators, cultural groups, and the local population. These collaborative efforts emphasize the importance of heritage conservation while enhancing the cultural and historical value of the region.
