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