Bid for hosting The 13th IRFCA convention
At Siliguri, West Bengal, THE GATEWAY TO THE NORTH
EAST INDIASGUJ/NJP- Northeast frontier
Railway
Proposed Date : January 27 & 28, 2018
শি�শি�গুশি�सि�लीगुड़ी
SILIGURI
Welcome to
‘“The Gateway To the Northeast”
Why Siliguri ?
Over the years, the IRFCA annual convention has held in various parts of India. South, Northwest, Central and even in the parts of the country also. So why not Northeast frontier , the not so explored,yet rich in both railway enthusiasts aspects and tourism and others.
SILIGURI along with its twin town NEW JALPAIGURI, makes a perfect place to host the IRFCA annual convention.
Please refer to ‘Railfan Attractions’ Slides for a better info.
About Siliguri Siliguri-the largest city of this region -gateway to the
DARJEELING HILLS, the TERAI-DOOARS FOOTHILS and the ever beautiful NORTHEAST INDIA, and the main commerce, tourism and transport hub. AND CAN BE COMBINED AS A DESTINATION FOR A EXTENDED HOLIDAY WOH FAMILIES OR FRIENDS FOR THE ATTENDEES
SILIGURI -the starting point of the 86km long DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY, the UNESCO heritage site.
About Siliguri Siliguri, a narrow stretch of land lying in the foothills of
the Himalayas and bounded by the Mahananda River has a quaint and unique charm of its own.
Besides its obvious strategic position to the north-eastern region of India and importance as a trading and commercial center in north Bengal, the natural beauty and cultural richness of Siliguri will appeal to all and sundry.
Siliguri is the gateway for all tourists to the hill stations of the north east, Sikkim and North Bengal and one can even get a picturesque glimpse of the Himalayan ranges on clear days. It is also the transit point for all travellers wishing to go to the neighbouring countries of Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
About Siliguri Siliguri is referred to as the land of the four Ts;
“Tea, Tourism, Transport and Timber”. With an increasing population growth and the
successful operation of retail, hospitality, real estate and other commercial sectors, Siliguri is a destination which will take you for both leisure and business.!
hat the term “Siliguri” means a heap of pebbles or stones. The region had also been known as Shilchaguri till the nineteenth century when it was covered with dense Dolka forest ranges. Originally a small agricultural village, the Kingdom of Sikkim ruled over Siliguri till the influence of the Kingdom of Nepal into the region.
Siliguri : Past & Present From its status as an agricultural village, Siliguri started developing as a
small city from 1835 when the British had occupied Darjeeling, and then proceeded to occupy the entire Dooars region and Kalimpong by 1865. The introduction of the railways to north-eastern India by the British East India Company had enlarged the significance of Siliguri in the region.
After Indian independence and its partition, Siliguri became an extremely important transit point and strategic area. It also led to the formation of the “Siliguri Corridor” in 1947 after Bengal was partitioned between India and Pakistan. This corridor was a narrow strip of land connecting north east India with its mainland. This also contributed to the increase in population in the city when many immigrants settled from East Pakistan (later Bangladesh). The population of Siliguri continues to increase to the present day with the rapid influx of immigrants from surrounding countries like Southern Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and adjacent Indian states who cross borders for better economic as well as social opportunities.
he present city of Siliguri stands gloriously from its past status as a village, increasing in area and population ever since it was declared as a sub-division in 1907 by the British administration. It has been growing by leaps and bounds after the independence of India to evolve as one of the most prominent and large cities in North Eastern India.
The city of Siliguri is roughly situated at an altitude of 400 feet above mean sea level. Siliguri is part of the
The most prominent river which flow here includes the Mahananda which divides the city into two halves.
The city is strategically important for its unique geographical feature encompassing Nepal in the west about 10 km from the Bagdogra region, Bhutan lies about 40 km to its north-east and Bangladesh lies in the south from the Fulbari region.
Hill Cart Road and Sevoke Road are the main commercial Locations. While Hong kong market is the biggest market in the area. The Planned Townships Are on the Northwest part of the city.
Geography of Siliguri
City Autos are the Mainstay of Intra city Transportation Two Types of City Autos are available, ‘Share Auto’ :
Running Fixed Route Shuttle Autos (Seats 8) and ‘Taxi Auto’ (Smaller Ones’).
Recently, E-Rickshaws are increasing at rapid rate, providing ‘Taxi’ Like Service at cheap rates.
NBSTC Runs JNNURM Modern City Buses To Various Destinations from New Jalpaiguri Station. Private Buses Are Also Available
OLA CABS Service and Prepaid Taxis Are Also Available Most Important Places Are Less than 10minutes walking
apart.
Local Transport in Siliguri
Connecting Siliguri
Connecting Siliguri SILIGURI being the largest city and strategic and
commercial gateway to the entire region boasts seamless connectivity to the rest of the world .
SILIGURI JUNCTION( SGUJ), NEW JALPAIGURI (NJP)are the main railheads,NJP is a suburb of siliguri, situated 6km away and well within the urban area.
NJP being the largest junction, and major termini in the region and one of the top 100 booking stations in India, situated in BARAUNI- GUWAHATI MAIN LINE AND having all trains to/from NORTHEAST INDIA passing and halting makes it the perfect arrival point to SILIGURI.
Connecting Siliguri Some of the trains from North-IndiaFrom the National Capital,New Delhi 12423/12424 New Delhi Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani ( via
Patna) 12435/12436 New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express 12235/12236 New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express North East Express, Avadh Assam Express, Tripura Sundari, Poorvotttar SamparKranti Express NJP-NDLS SF Bramhaputra Mail. New Delhi-Naharlagun AC Express(Connecting Itanagar)From other Destinations Kamakhya-Katra Exp Guwahati-Jammu Tawi Amarnath/Lohit Exp
Connecting SiliguriSome Of the Trains From Kolkata Metropolis Darjeeling Mail (SF) Saraighat SF Express. Kanchenjungha Express Padatik SF Express Kanchankanya Express NJP Shatabdi SF Express Teesta Torsa Express Paharia Express Uttarbanga Express Kolkata-Dibrugarh Dihing SF Express NJP AC SF Express
Connecting Siliguri
Some Of the Trains From Southern, SouthCentral India Secundrabad/Chennai
Egmore/Thiruvananthapuram-Guwahati Expresses.
Bengaluru Cant-Kamakhya Humsafar Express
Bengaluru City-Guwahati Kaziranga SF Express
Chennai-New Jalpaiguri SF Express Kanyakumari-Dibrugarh Vivek Exp AND MANY OTHERS
Connecting Siliguri Some Trains from West-India
• LTT-Kamakhya Karmabhoom SF Express
• LTT -Kamakhya AC Superfast• LTT- Guwahati Express• Okha,Gandhidham-Kamakhya/
Guwahati Express• Bhagat ki kothi-Kamakhyya Express,• Jodhpur,Bikamer-Guwahati Exp• Kamakhya-Jaipur Kaviguru Express
Connecting Siliguri Trains From North East India
ALL THE TRAINS ORIGINATING /TERMINATING IN NORTHEAST INDIA
TO/FROM OTHER PARTS OF INDIA, GOES THROUGH NEW JALPAIGURI
JUNCTION.!
WE HAVE PROVIDED JUST A CONCISE LIST OF TRAINS FROM VARIOUS
DESTNATION , THERE ARE MANY MORE TRAINS FROM VARIOUS
PLACES TO AND FRO NJP/SGUJ.
VISIT THE INDIAN RAILWAYS WEBSITE (www.indianrail.gov.in)
For more.
Connecting Siliguri TIP
KOLKATA METROPOLIS LIES ONLY ABOUT 600 KMS AWAY FROM NJP
YOU CAN TAKE ANY TRAIN TO KOLKATA CITY THEN CHANGE TO
ANYNFR BOUND TRAINS. THE JOUNREY TIME BETWEENHOWRAH/SEALDAH ETC TO NJP IS BETWEEN 8HRS TO 16
HRSAVERAGE DEPENDING ON THE TRAIN
Connecting Siliguri ( by Air)
Bagdogra Civil Enclave International Airport, Situated 16 kms away from city centre is the Airport of the region
The Airport has Direct connections to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati,Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai and also to Paro,Bhutan and Bangkok Thailand.
The Frequency of flights vary from Twice a day/Daily to Once a week , depending on the airline and the route. The airport has Good Standard Amenities.
Connecting Siliguri ( by Road)
Siliguri’s Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus and the surrounding is the hub for the bus transport of the region
North Bengal State Transport Corporation Operates buses to all over WB and Some Destinations in neighbour states
RTCs such as Sikkim Nationalised Transport, Assam State Transport etc runs bus services to respective States.
State Run/Private AC, Volvo, Sleeper Buses Are available for various Destinations
International Bus Services From Dhaka and Phuentosholling are available
Please Refer to bus Ticketing sites for more Info.
Unique Rail-fanning Experience | Major Railhead Of the Region
Unique Geography-Chicken’s Neck Corridor ,Lying very near to International borders of Bhutan,Nepal,Bangladesh
Tourist Hub.Proximity to Famous Destinations
Unique distinction of having 3 Gauges in IR
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway-Unesco World Heritage Site
Significance of Siliguri(NJP/SGUJ)
Unique RailFanning Experience
NJP-A Gateway
•Serves as a gateway to North East.NJP-NCB-NBQ-GHY Mainline.•Also serves as a gateway for Bhutan,Nepal and adjoining areas•One Of the Top 100 booking Stations and busy junction
SGUJ-Only station in IR to have 3 Gauges Working
•NJP-SGUJ-APDJ section, a picturesque route through foothills•SGUJ-BORA section,a heritage MG section
Rail Industry
•Diesel Shed•DEMU Shed•Mechanized Laundry•New Jalpaiguri Coaching •DHR Narrow Guage Shed & WorkshopRailfan
Attraction!
Tourist HubThe Beautiful
State Of SikkimThe Evergreen
‘Queen Of the Hills’Darjeeling
and the Surroundings Of
Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik
Lava Rishyap and the Heritage Silk
Trail.
The Famous Dooars and its Wild Trail
Gorumara NP, Chapramari NP, Neora Vally NP, Jaldapara NP,
Buxa NP
and Numerous Other Places in the Lap of the
WildNeighboring
CountriesBhutan, Nepal
The Unexplored Hamlets Of
Eastern Himalayas &
the NorthEast
Points of Railfans’ Interest Some Places & Routes For Rail fanning in and around Siliguri City.
Railways Around SiliguriCourtesy: NFR Railway System Map
New Jalpaiguri- Gateway To Northeast & DHR
Railfan Attracti
on!
New Jalpaiguri, Popularly known By its Station Code NJP, Is the Largest, Most Important Railhead of the Entire Region.
The Station is One of the TOP 100 booking Stations of India
Almost Every Corner of India Is Connected Directly to NJP!
The Station Caters 3 Pair of Rajdhani Expresses, One Pair Shatabdi Express, One Pair of Humsafar Express, One Pair of Garib Rath and Numerous Premiums, AC SFs and Superfast Expresses
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Line Terminates Here From Darjeeling!
A MAWD Steam Loco is on Display at the Front of the Station.
The Station Houses a Large Goods Marshalling Yard! New Jalpaiguri Perhaps, is the Busiest station in North
Bengal and the Northeast Frontier Railway Zone. All Trains Catereing to NE India Passes Through Here.
NJP Station Entrance
Preserved MAWD Loco
Platform Scene
Train Entering into NJP
NJPGALLERY
Siliguri Jn. The Three Gauge Station Siliguri Junction, Is the Second Largest Station of
Siliguri,Located at the Heart of the City. This is the Only Station In Indian Railway
Network to Have Three Working Gauge Sections. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Passes
Through here and maintains a Workshop and Rolling Stock Shed.
Home To One Of the Largest and Second EMD Diesel Loco Shed
Houses Major DEMU SHED of the Region. Junction of New Jalpaiguri –Siliguri-Alipurduar
Junction & Siliguri Jn-Bagdogra- Aluabari Rd. BG Section
Terminus of Siliguri Bagdogra MG Section ( India’s Only Dedicated Dual Gauge Line)
Railfan
Attractio
n!
Siliguri Jn-Bagdogra : THE DUAL GAUGE Line
Railfan
Attractio
n!
The Erstwhile Siliguri-Bagdogra-Katihar Meter Gauge Section was Converted to Broad Gauge.
However, Railways Decided to Preserve The Siliguri-Bagdogra Portions as a MG HERITAGE SECTION
Thus, It Became India’s Only Dedicated Working Dual Gauge Section!
A Metre Gauge Railbus Does Scheduled Trips between Siliguri Jn. & Bagdogra (The Station is just beside the Runway of the Airport)
Broad Gauge Portion is used by numerous Passenger and Express Trains (Paharia Exp, NJP-Udaipur Express etc)
More Information On the Line is here (http://www.irfca.org/docs/rinbad-siliguri.html)
Siliguri Jn-Bagdogra : THE DUAL GAUGE Line
Bagdogra Station With BG DEMU
The Metre Gauge Railbus
Dual Gauge Tracks At Siliguri
Matigara Station
GALLERY
Siliguri Jn-DEMU Shed Railfan
Attractio
n!
Siliguri Junction DEMU shed is one of the Largest and Premier DEMU Shed of the Region
DEMUs Operating in Katihar and Alipurduar Divisions of NFR are Housed and Overhauled here.
Old Rolling Stock and Locomotives of Meter Gauge Lines Can be seen lying around the Premises waiting for the ultimate fate.
Siliguri Jn- BG Diesel Shed Siliguri Junction Boasts One of the Largest and Important
Diesel Loco Shed of Indian Rail Network A metre gauge diesel loco shed was established at
Siliguri in 1961(Second Oldest) and a new broad gauge diesel loco shed was established in 2007, When WDP4 and and WDG4 locos were transferred from Hubli.Making it the Second EMD Diesel Loco Shed Of IR,
The Shed Currently Holds WDP4,WDP4B,WDP4D Passenger Locomotives and WDG4 & WDG4D Goods Locomotives.
After the Complete Gauge Conversion to Broad Gauge in the Area, Most Metre Gauge Locos were sent to Lumding Shed,
The Shed Is Famous For its Signature Blue Liveries of WDP4 Class Locos.
Railfan
Attractio
n
!
Sivok & The Dooars Line 16 Kms From Siliguri, is the ever Scenic Place of Sevoke
Railway Station. Located Among Sublime Curtains of Greenery and
underneath the umbrella of the Darjeeling Hills, is a real treat to the human eye!
This Place Offers Diesel Action on the EVER SCENIC Siliguri Alipurduar Junction Dooars Section. Which is Single Line.
Diesel Locos from all over India can be spotted hauling freights.
Background Pix: IRFCA Anindya Roy
Railfan
Attracti
on!
A Ride From Siliguri to Alipurduar Jn, Via This Section, is possibly one of the must haves for any railway enthusiasts for its breathtaking scenery, and if you are lucky! Animal Spottings! And will surely make a unforgettable experience!
Background Pix: Madhulina Debnath
Sivok & The Dooars Line Railfan
Attracti
on!
Denguajhar TG
Chaterhat Railfan Attractio
n!Chaterhat, About 25Kms From NJP on the NJP-Malda Main Line is aPerfect Location to Watch High Speed Diesel Action On Double Tracks, The NJP Shatabdi In the Early Morning and numerous Other Superfast and other Trains Can be Seen cruising past at 110kph!
Denguajhar Tea Estate, Located between Raninagar Jalpaiguri Jn and Jalpaiguri Road Stations, is a Scenic Single line Section with a large ‘S’ Curve Among Lush Tea Garden With Rated MPS of 110kph! Transportation is Excellent to this place , A few minutes walk from national Highway till where you get a bus from Siliguri every 10 minutes!!Watching The Dibrugarh Rajdhanis Cruising Zigzag is a real treat !
Background : Denguajhar TG
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Goes through huge tea
gardens,numerous streams,wildlife
sanctuary & keeping
Kanchenjungha at its backdrop.
2 feet wide Rail N/W.
World
HeritageSite
Working British EraSteam Locos
Railfan
Attracti
on!
Currently Running DHR services
NJP-DJ Passenger
Siliguri Jn-Rongtong-Siliguri Jn
Jungle Safari
DJ-Ghoom-DJDJ-
Kurseong Passenger
Railfan Attraction
!
Railfan
Attracti
on!
DHR Special Charter Services
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Regularly offers, Charter Services of
Cargo and Passengers, For
Tourism, Bulk Travel and
ceremonial purposes
Railfan
Attracti
on!
The DHR Workshop & Shed : Siliguri Jn The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Operates a Workshop
Cum Shed for Rolling Stock at Siliguri Junction. Steam & Diesel Locomotives Are Kept and Maintained
Here. The Rolling Stock are Also Kept And Refurbished here. Century Old DHR Coaching Stock are Kept there for use. The Main Workshop of DHR was Actually located in
Tindharia, Due to A devastating earthquake in 2011, which damaged a lot of the Workshop there, almost entire infrastructure were moved to Siiguri Coaching Shed of DHR.
The Workshop, Along with Every infrastructure of DHR, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Railfan
Attracti
on!
Locomotives to Watch Out For
Various EMD
LocomotivesOf
Siliguri Junction Shed
Railfan
Attracti
on!
Locomotives to Watch Out For
Prototype WDP4B 20047 & 20075
Based AT SiliguriRailfan
Attracti
on!
Locomotives to Watch Out ForThe Gorgeous Looking Blue Cream Alco Locomotives of Malda DLS
Railfan
Attracti
on!
Locomotives to Watch Out For
THE DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY
CENTURY OLD B CLASS STEAM AND MODERN DIESEL NDM6
NARROW GAUGE LOCOMOTIVES
Railfan
Attracti
on!
New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express
Dibrugarh/Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani Expresses
Kamakhya Bangalore Humsafar Express
Kamakhya SVDK Express
NJP Darjeeling Passenger DHR
Darjeeling Mail And Many more!1
Some of Trains to Watch Out For Railfan
Attracti
on!
Siliguri-A comfortable staying Experience
Siliguri is one of the principal transportation, commercial and educational hubs of North Bengal. As such, the city holds a great strategic significance in the entire region bordered by different states and international countries like Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. There are large number of tourists who come to sojourn here annually before travelling to the mesmerizing hill stations of North Bengal, Sikkim and the North East India.
As a result, Siliguri has established a huge number of accommodations which includes star hotels, resorts, lodges and guest houses to meet the demands of its continuous tourist flow.
Siliguri is home to some of the most luxurious and upscale star hotels renowned for their quality and service. These premium hotels are at a convenient distance from the airport as well as the important entertainment and commercial areas of the city. With luxurious suites and rooms, these star hotels blend tradition and modernity with their state-of-the art services and infrastructure.
Local Sightseeing Mahananda Wildlife Santuary is just a Few
Kilometres Away. Nearby is the Bengal Safari Park, Provides
Tiger Safari in AC Coaches Rohini, A hamlet on the Foothills on the
way to Darjeeling The Historical Coronation Bridge at Sevoke. The City Centre Mall has many stores
dedicated to Local Arts. Gajoldoba Barrage and Lake, Which is Bird
watching Hotspot.
The Steamed Dumplings “Momo” and Noodle Soup “Thukpa” in the Momo Gully of Hong Kong Market.
Chinese Food at Tai Wah , Hill Cart Road. Yu Fung at Sevoke Road
Jain Thalis at Mahavir Bhojanalaya, HC Road
The Local Signature ‘Boroli’ Fish at Kalpana Hotel, Market
Bengali Signature Dishes at Kalpana, Bhojohari Manna
Variety of Noodles from Street Vendors
Local Delicacies
And last but not the least....The Worlds’ Favourite
A Cup Of Darjeeling Tea!
Local Delicacies
Proposed Venues
Hotel Sevoke Valley Residency
Hotel Sevoke Valley Residency, Situated on the heart of Siliguri DowntownIs a great Place to Host the Convention,Because of its Proximity to the important Places, Superior Modern Rooms,State Of the Art Ceremony Hall and Most Importanatly Large Number Of RoomsAnd Other Proximity of Other Hotels for Delegates With Variety of Budgets.
Proposed Venues
Hotel Rajdarbar
Hotel Rajdarbar, Is one of the Prime Properties of the City, Located Just AcrossThe Mahananda River, provides premiumAccomodation, Modern & Large Ceremony Hall .
This Property also has Sister Concern Hotels in the Proximity, providing Large Number of Accommodations for delegates.The Hotel Provides a Great PanaromicView of the Siliguri Junction and the Diesel Loco Shed, DEMU Shed and the DHR shed & Darjeeling Hills
Proposed Venues
Hotel Embassy
Hotel Sevoke Valley Residency, Located At the Downtown SiliguriIs one of the Most Popular Venues for Conventions in Siliguri. The Hotel Provides Premium Rooms and has a Sister Hotel of the Same Class. Proximity to Different Budget AccomodationIs a n Advantage for this venue.
The Organising CommitteeThe Organising Committee Comprises of Locally Based Young Railfans of IRFCA & Two IR People of our Railfan Family!
Anubhab Dey Nobhonil Pandit
Ayan Dutta Arko Bhattacharya
Aakaash Sharma
Mr. Kakan Sarkar
(LP)
Mr. Uttam Kumar Basu
(Snr.LP)
THANK
YOU
Hope to See
You Siliguri(NJP/SGUJ)
Siliguri’18