Guwahati: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully renovated the historic Steam Locomotive No. 808-C Class NG Loco of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and installed an upgraded heritage display at its headquarters in Maligaon. The restored locomotive was inaugurated on May 26 by NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava in the presence of senior railway officials and staff members. Built in 1914 by the North British Locomotive Company Ltd. of Glasgow, United Kingdom, the steam engine is regarded as a rare and significant symbol of India’s railway heritage. The locomotive had earlier been displayed at the NFR headquarters and has now undergone extensive repair, repainting and restoration work.
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The restoration project was carried out by the C&W Workshop at New Bongaigaon under the guidance of the NFR General Manager. To enhance its heritage appeal, the locomotive has been fitted with decorative lighting along with realistic sound and smoke effects for visitors and railway enthusiasts. Steam Locomotive No. 808 belonged to the famous 4-6-2 Pacific Class locomotives introduced for service under the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in 1914. Along with its twin engine No. 807, it played a key role in hauling freight trains on the Kishanganj Extension section of the DHR network.
Following the conversion of the Siliguri–Kishanganj line to metre gauge in 1948, the locomotive continued operations as a shunting pilot at Siliguri before being retired during the 1960s. NFR officials said the restoration reflects the railway’s continued commitment towards preserving India’s rich railway heritage and promoting awareness about the legacy of steam locomotives.
