MoU on DHR issues

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Indian Railways and the London-based Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society (DHRS) on issues concerning the heritage railway.

The agreement was signed on September 30 during a visit by senior railway officials to London.

“The MoU commits the two parties to work together for mutual benefit on issues concerning the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and its adjacent buffer zones and covers such issues as communication, technical support, charter tours and facilitation of visits,” reads a press release issued from London by Paul Whittle, the public relations officer of DHRS.

The MoU was signed for Indian Railways by Mathew John, the secretary of the Railway Board, and by DHRS chairman David Barrie.

John was accompanied by Ashutosh Swami, general manager, Northeast Frontier Railway, Rajesh Agarwal, executive director, heritage, Harsh Kumar, executive director, finance (expenditure), Naresh Salecha, executive director, finance (commercial) from Indian Railways, and Mayank Tiwari, director, Rail Museum.

“We will benefit highly from the worldwide network of DHRS in spreading awareness about the heritage railway across the world,” Agarwal told The Telegraph.

The DHRS was formed in 1997 and has over 800 members in 24 countries.

“The signing of the MoU is a milestone,” Barrie said. “Indian Railways has been generous in acknowledging the contribution of DHRS in the revival of the heritage railway. We look forward to closer cooperation with them.”

Citing examples of how the agreement will work out, Whittle said: “On the publicity front, we have produced an attractive poster, which Indian Railways is keen to use. We have also agreed to help produce a DHR guidebook which the railways will sell.”

On the technical front, the DHRS will help Indian Railways in its initiative at oil-firing DHR locomotives, Whittle said.

In addition, the DHRS will work towards more tours for the DHR. “Our associated tour company — Darjeeling Travel — is increasing the number of tours it brings to the Darjeeling region for 2008 to as many as 10,” Whittle added.

Source: The Telegraph