India is home to many beautiful and unique railway stations, especially in the hilly regions. Some of the stations are located at great heights and offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys. These high-altitude stations are important for both travel and tourism. In this article, we will learn about the railway station that stands at the highest point in the country and why it is so special.
Ghum Railway Station, located in West Bengal, is the highest railway station in India. It stands at a height of 2,258 meters (7,407 feet) above sea level. It is a part of the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ghum is known for its scenic beauty, the nearby Ghum Monastery and the famous Batasia Loop.
The construction of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway began in 1879. By April 4, 1881, the railway line had reached Ghum. Before the railway was built, it took people 5 to 6 days to travel from Kolkata to Darjeeling using steam trains, bullock carts and palanquins.
In 1878, a new railway line to Siliguri was opened, which shortened the journey to just two days. Today, people can reach New Jalpaiguri from Kolkata in about 10 hours by train. From there, it takes 3-4 hours by road or 6-7 hours by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to reach Ghum.
The train journey from Siliguri to Ghum is a slow but beautiful ride. After reaching Ghum, the train goes down about 1,000 feet to Darjeeling. On the way, it passes through the famous Batasia Loop – a spiral track built to help the train climb the steep hill. This loop offers stunning views of the mountains and the valley.
Tourists who don’t want to take the full journey can enjoy a shorter ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. This tourist train is very popular for its scenic route and historical charm.
There is also a small Rail Museum at Ghum Railway Station. It displays old photographs, models and items related to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It gives visitors a glimpse into the rich history of this mountain railway.
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