The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has restored and unveiled the vintage steam engine ‘Baby Sivok,’ adding a unique attraction to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage site. The unveiling took place on 7 December during the Ghum Winter Festival and was officiated by NFR General Manager, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava. The steam engine, now displayed at Ghum station, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the DHR and the engineering marvels of the past.
‘Baby Sivok,’ manufactured over a century ago by Orenstein & Koppel in Germany, originally served as a contractor’s locomotive. It played a crucial role in constructing 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.
By 2000, ‘Baby Sivok’ had become an outdoor exhibit at Ghum station, where years of exposure led to significant deterioration. Recognising its historical and cultural significance, NFR transported the engine to the Tindharia Workshop. Skilled in-house technicians meticulously restored the locomotive, preserving its original charm and operational capability.
The restoration of ‘Baby Sivok’ marks a significant milestone in NFR’s ongoing efforts to conserve the heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The project not only preserves a vital piece of railway history but also enhances the tourist experience at Ghum, the world’s highest railway station.
Shri Shrivastava highlighted the importance of such restoration initiatives, stating that they serve as a bridge between the past and present, fostering appreciation for the rich cultural and industrial heritage of the region.
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The restored steam engine is expected to be a major draw for visitors, adding to the charm of the DHR’s offerings. As part of the Ghum Winter Festival, the engine’s unveiling coincides with a broader push to promote tourism in the region.
NFR continues to collaborate with tour operators, cultural organisations, and local communities to celebrate the unique heritage of the DHR. These efforts aim to boost regional tourism while ensuring the railway’s historical significance is preserved for future generations.
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