The DHR's NDM6 diesels

2D train hauled by NDM6 diesel No. 601 on 4th December, 2006.

This picture captures one of the classic scenes of the Darjeeling Himalaya Railway (DHR) line; a train running down the main street in Kurseong.

After some initial teething troubles, the NDM6 diesels have proved capable of hauling four coaches and now operate the timetabled ‘full line’ services.

An "unwanted" modernisation to this Heritage Railway in 2000, the NDM6 has, nevertheless, saved the line by maintaining a service. Unfortunately, their arrival took the pressure off repairing the ‘B’ Class steam locomotives. However, repairs and restoration of the ‘B’ Class needs to be done to keep the UNESCO listing.

NDM6 601 on the reconstructed section of the DHR at 14th mile in December 2015.

A major landslip here closed the line for almost five years.

The NDM6 diesels were built by SAN Engineering of Bangalore from 1997 and were introduced on the DHR from the beginning of 2000. They are a 335hp 4-wheel diesel-hydraulic locomotive, powered by a Kirloskar Cummins engine.

This picture, taken at Rangtong, gives an impression of just how severe the curves and gradients are on the DHR.

The 16/12 post on the left is a kilometre marker, though the “12” is in 15ths of a kilometre.

New arrival, 603, was derailed and damaged three months after this picture was taken.

603 is one of the latest locomotives to have arrived on the DHR, direct from the Matheran line, in November 2016.

It is seen here on trials a few days after being rebuilt for use on the DHR.

NDM6 No. 604 ‘Maverick’ shunting its train in the narrow-gauge platform at New Jalpaiguri station, on November 30, 2006.

The locomotive has a problem with its sanding gear. Note the sand pouring from the pipe in front of the leading wheel.