Question : WITHDRAWAL OF TOY TRAIN

(a) whether due to Landslide in Darjeeling, the Toy train movement was discontinued in July 2003;

(b) whether after repair of the tracks, the train was started;

(c) whether during the Pujas, even after sale of advance railway tickets, the Toy Train was not run;

(d) whether although the Railways returned the advance ticket money, the toy train was not run during the Pujas, thus depriving the tourists from the enjoying journey; and

(e) if so, the reasons for abrupt withdrawal of the Toy train movements?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI BASANAGOUDA R. PATIL)

(a): Yes, Sir. Toy Train movement was discontinued from 8th July, 2003 to 14th September, 2003, due to landslides.

(b): Yes, Sir. The services were restored between Darjeeling and Siliguri Jn. with effect from 15th September, 2003.

(c): No, Sir. The Toy Train was running during the Durga Puja period from 02.10.2003 to 05.10.2003.

(d) & (e): Do not arise.