Siliguri Town Station Restoration Begins For Heritage

The historic Siliguri Town Station is finally getting a makeover after years of neglect, bringing back its old glory and exciting local history lovers. The station played a major role in the early development and economic growth of Siliguri city.

History of the Railway in Siliguri

Rail services started in North Bengal in the late 19th century, connecting Siliguri and Kolkata by 1878. This rail link helped boost the tea trade from Darjeeling and made travel much easier than using bullock carts. Later, the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway started operations, connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling by 1881.

The Rise and Decline of the Station

As railways expanded, Siliguri grew into an important center for trade, connecting the hills to the plains. Many famous personalities like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore are believed to have visited this station. However, after the partition of India in 1947 and the rise of New Jalpaigungri (NJP) station in the 1960s, the importance of the town station faded.

Current Restoration Work

The Northeast Frontier Railway allocated funds for the redevelopment of the station, and repair work began in June 2026. The plan includes preserving the old station building and traditional tin roof while building a museum in the future.