DHR CLOCKS HIGHEST-EVER MONTHLY REVENUE OF RS 3.9 CRORE IN MAY 2026
GANGTOK: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), the UNESCO World Heritage mountain railway under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), has recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue since inception, earning Rs. 395.60 lakh in May 2026, officials said on Monday.
The revenue surpassed the previous record of Rs. 358.60 lakh achieved in May 2025, reflecting the growing popularity of the heritage railway among tourists and railway enthusiasts from India and abroad.
According to NFR, the record-breaking earnings were driven by strong passenger patronage during the peak tourist season, particularly on the iconic heritage joy rides and regular passenger services operating through the picturesque Darjeeling hills.
Officials said the increasing demand underscored the enduring appeal of the world-famous narrow-gauge railway and the success of efforts undertaken to improve passenger amenities and promote heritage tourism.
Data released by the railway showed a steady rise in revenue over the years. DHR earned Rs. 319.64 lakh in May 2022, Rs. 358.18 lakh in May 2023, Rs. 288.58 lakh in May 2024, Rs. 358.60 lakh in May 2025 and a record Rs. 395.60 lakh in May 2026.
The NFR expressed confidence that the momentum would continue in the coming weeks, citing strong advance bookings and sustained tourist inflow.
Based on current booking trends and traffic patterns, DHR’s revenue for June 2026 is expected to exceed Rs. 370 lakh, potentially making it one of the highest revenue-earning June months in the railway’s history, NFR spokesperson Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said.
The achievement highlights the growing appeal of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway as one of India’s most celebrated heritage attractions, he added.
Officials added that the strong revenue performance also reflected DHR’s role in boosting tourism and supporting economic activity in the Darjeeling region.
