The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the first, and still the most outstanding model of a passenger train

The development of railways in the 19^th century has had a profound influence on social and economic developments in many parts of the world. This process is illustrated in an exceptional fashion by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The district of Darjeeling is in the state of West Bengal in India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the first, and still the most outstanding model of a passenger train that goes up a mountain. It is popularly known as the Toy Train perhaps because of its colorful wagons and its slow speed. It also stands out as an example of the influence of an innovative transportation system on the economic development of a multi-cultural region.

It was opened in 1881 and applied bold and ingenious engineering solutions to the problem of establishing an effective rail link across a mountainous region of great beauty. It was in danger of being closed down but its declaration as a World Heritage Site in November 2000 means that it will remain operational and retain most of its original beauty.