Darjeeling’s Legendary Steam Locomotive No. 782B Marks 125 Years of Service

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Apr 17, 2025

In a remarkable tribute to India’s rich railway heritage, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) today celebrated the 125th year of continuous service of the legendary B Class steam locomotive No. 782B. A special heritage steam train was ceremonially flagged off from the iconic Ghum Railway Station, the highest railway station in India by Dr. C.M. Ramesh the Hon’ble Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, alongside Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, the General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway. 

The event was a vibrant celebration of history, engineering, and culture. Dignitaries, including Members of Parliament and senior railway officials, gathered at Ghum station to witness the momentous occasion. A cultural programme featuring traditional music and folk dances of the Darjeeling Hills added a festive spirit to the proceedings.

As part of the commemorative activities, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee visited the Railway Museum at Ghum, where they were briefed on the on-going restoration and conservation efforts led by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The committee commended the dedication and craftsmanship involved in preserving this UNESCO World Heritage site.

B Class locomotive No. 782B, manufactured in 1900 by Sharp, Stewart & Co., continues to traverse the narrow – gauge tracks of the Eastern Himalayas. With 125 years of continuous service, the locomotive stands as a living symbol of British – era railway engineering and the enduring legacy of Indian Railways.

This historic milestone underscores the commitment of Northeast Frontier Railways to preserving its cultural and technological heritage while inspiring future generations.