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{{short description|Mail/express train in India}}
{{original research|date=February 2025}}
{{short description|Train in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{italic title}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox rail service
{{Infobox rail service
| name = Darjeeling Mail
| name               = Darjeeling   Mail
| image = Darjeeling_mail_1.jpg
| image             = Darjeeling_Mail_Spl_standing_at_NJP_station.jpg
| type = [[Mail trains in India|Mail]]
| caption            = Darjeeling Mail at New Jalpaiguri Junction.
| locale =  
| type               = [[Superfast Express trains in India|Superfast]]
| operator = [[Eastern Railways]]  
| locale             =  
| ridership =  
| operator           = [[Eastern Railway zone|Eastern Railway]]
| first = {{start date and age|1 January 1878}}
| ridership         =  
| last =
| first             = {{start date and age|df=yes|1878|01|01}}
| start = [[Sealdah]] ('''SDAH''')
| last               =  
| stops = 4(16 during Pre 1947 era)
| start             = {{rws|Sealdah}} (SDAH)
| end = {{rws|New Jalpaiguri Junction}} ('''NJP''')({{rws|Siliguri Junction}} during Pre 1947 era)
| stops             = 6
| distance = {{convert|573|km|mi}}({{convert|548|km|mi}} during Pre 1947 era)
| end               = [[Haldibari railway station|Haldibari]] (HDB)
| frequency = Daily
| distance           = 629 km
| trainnumber = 12343 / 12344(43 Up / 44 Dn during Pre 1947 era)
| frequency         = Daily
| class = AC 1st (1), AC 2nd (2), AC 3rd (7), Sleeper (9), General (2), Military(1)
| journeytime        = 11 hours 20 minutes
| coaches = 24
| trainnumber       = 12343 / 12344
| catering = No pantry car available
| class             = AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, General Unreserved
| stock = [[LHB coaches]]
| sleeping          = Yes
| gauge = {{track gauge|1676mm}}
| seating            = Yes
| speed = {{convert|120|kph|mph}} maximum; {{convert|57|kph|mph}} average; {{convert|51|kph|mph}} during Pre 1947 era.
| autorack          =
| map = [[File:Darjeeling Mail (Sealdah - New Jalpaiguri) route map.png|290px|Darjeeling Mail (Sealdah–New Jalpaiguri) route map]]
| observation        = Large windows
| map_state =  
| baggage            = Available
| catering           = On-board catering, <br/> E-catering
| otherfacilities    = Below the seats
| stock             = [[LHB coach]]
| gauge             = {{track gauge|1676mm}}
| speed             = {{convert|130|kph|0|abbr=on}} maximum
| map               = [[File:Darjeeling Mail (Sealdah - New Jalpaiguri) route map.png|250px|Darjeeling Mail route map]]
| map_state         =  
}}
}}
{{Darjeeling Mail route|collapse=y}}
{{Darjeeling Mail route|collapse=y}}
The '''Darjeeling Mail''' is one of the legendary trains in the eastern region of India that has been running from pre-independence days and is still in operation. It connects to the [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] at [[New Jalpaiguri]] in [[Siliguri]]. This is a major train for [[Kolkata]]–[[Siliguri]] route. It is also the first train to run with AC electric loco Wap-7 in Sealdah to New-Jalpaiguri stretch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/-train-darjeeling-mail-12343/367/325/444|title=12343/Darjeeling Mail (PT) - Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri ER/Eastern Zone - Railway Enquiry|last=PATRANABIS|first=SREERUP|website=India Rail Info|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref>
The 12343/12344 '''Darjeeling Mail''' is one of the oldest running trains in India. It connects [[Kolkata]] with [[Haldibari, India|Haldibari]] This is a major train for [[Kolkata]]–[[Siliguri]] route.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/-train-darjeeling-mail-12343/367/325/444|title=12343/Darjeeling Mail (PT) - Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri ER/Eastern Zone - Railway Enquiry|last=PATRANABIS|first=SREERUP|website=India Rail Info|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


===Run via East Bengal===
During the [[British Raj|British period]] all connections to [[North Bengal]] were through [[East Bengal]]. From 1878, the railway route from [[Kolkata]], then called Calcutta, to [[Siliguri]] was in two laps. The first lap was a {{convert|184.9|km|mi}} long journey along the [[Eastern Bengal Railway|Eastern Bengal State Railway]] from Calcutta Station (later renamed Sealdah) to Damookdeah Ghat on the southern bank of the [[Padma River]]. The passengers would then avail a ferry across the river. The second lap of the journey was a {{convert|363.1|km|mi}} metre-gauge line of the North Bengal Railway that linked Saraghat on the northern bank of the Padma to Siliguri.<ref name=njp>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/docs/rinbad-siliguri.html|title = India: the complex history of the junctions at Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri | publisher= IRFCA|accessdate = 2011-11-12 }}</ref>
During the [[British Raj|British period]] all connections to [[North Bengal]] were through [[East Bengal]].


From 1878, the railway route from [[Kolkata]], then called Calcutta, to [[Siliguri]] was in two laps. The first lap was a {{convert|184.9|km|mi}} long journey along the [[Eastern Bengal Railway|Eastern Bengal State Railway]] from Calcutta Station (later renamed Sealdah) to Damookdeah Ghat on the southern bank of the [[Padma River]]. The passengers would then avail a ferry across the river. The second lap of the journey was a {{convert|363.1|km|mi}} metre-gauge line of the North Bengal Railway that linked Saraghat on the northern bank of the Padma to Siliguri.<ref name=njp>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/docs/rinbad-siliguri.html|title = India: the complex history of the junctions at Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri | publisher= IRFCA|accessdate = 2011-11-12 }}</ref>
The {{convert|1.8|km|ft}} long [[Hardinge Bridge]] across the Padma came up in 1912.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chowdhury |first=Sifatul Quader |year=2012 |chapter=Hardinge Bridge |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Hardinge_Bridge |editor1-last=Islam |editor1-first=Sirajul |editor1-link=Sirajul Islam |editor2-last=Jamal |editor2-first=Ahmed A. |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |edition=Second |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> In 1916 the metre-gauge section north of the bridge was converted to broad gauge, and so the entire Calcutta – Siliguri route became broad-gauge.<ref name=njp/> The route thus roughly ran: [[Sealdah]]–[[Ranaghat]]–[[Bheramara Upazila|Bheramara]]–[[Hardinge Bridge]]–[[Iswardi]]–[[Santahar]]–{{stnlnk|Hili}}–[[Parbatipur Upazila|Parbatipur]]–[[Nilphamari Sadar Upazila|Nilphamari]]–[[Haldibari, India|Haldibari]]–[[Jalpaiguri]]–[[Siliguri]]. The train ran on this route in pre-partition days. Even after the [[partition of India]] it ran on this route for some years.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/articles/isrs/fnrm3-fame-name.html|title = Trains of Fame and Locos with a Name, part 2  |last=Joydeep Dutta and Harsh Vardhan| publisher= [[IRFCA]]| accessdate = 2012-02-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-inter.html  |title =  Geography – International |last=|first= | publisher=[[IRFCA]] | accessdate = 2012-02-22 }}</ref> So before Partition: The train's pre-partition route was roughly: Sealdah–Ranaghat–Bheramara–Hardinge Bridge–Iswardi–Santahar–Hili–Parbatipur–Nilphamari–Haldibari–Jalpaiguri–Siliguri.


Later the {{convert|1.8|km|ft}} long [[Hardinge Bridge]] across the Padma came up in 1912.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chowdhury |first=Sifatul Quader |year=2012 |chapter=Hardinge Bridge |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Hardinge_Bridge |editor1-last=Islam |editor1-first=Sirajul |editor1-link=Sirajul Islam |editor2-last=Jamal |editor2-first=Ahmed A. |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |edition=Second |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> In 1916 the metre-gauge section north of the bridge was converted to broad gauge, and so the entire Calcutta – Siliguri route became broad-gauge.<ref name=njp/> The route thus roughly ran: [[Sealdah]]–[[Ranaghat]]–[[Bheramara Upazila|Bheramara]]–[[Hardinge Bridge]]–[[Iswardi]]–[[Santahar]]–{{stnlnk|Hili}}–[[Parbatipur Upazila|Parabtipur]]–[[Nilphamari Sadar Upazila|Nilphamari]]–[[Haldibari, India|Haldibari]]–[[Jalpaiguri]]–[[Siliguri]].
With the partition of India in 1947, the major hurdle in connecting Kolkata and Siliguri was that there was no bridge across the Ganges in West Bengal or Bihar. A generally acceptable route to Siliguri was via [[Sahibganj loop]] to {{stnlnk|Rajmahal}}, then across the Ganges by ferry to [[Manihari]] Ghat on the other side, then to [[Kishanganj]] via [[Manihari]], [[Katihar]] and [[Barsoi]] and finally through narrow gauge to Siliguri.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://goethals1907-2007.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html |title = my school i wish  |work = Madhyamgram Re-visited after 15 years | publisher = |accessdate = 2011-01-23 }}</ref> In 1949 Kishanganj–Siliguri section too was converted to metre gauge, thus making the entire route a uni-gauge one.<ref name=njp/>
On 26 January 1950 Sealdah Siliguri ( BG/MG) North Bank mail via Kishanganj was introduced. In 1964 it was renamed as Darjeeling mail.
From 1947 to 1965, the Darjeeling Mail ran from Sealdah to Siliguri, passing through stations like Ranaghat, Gede, Darsana, Santahar, Parbatipur, Nilphamari, and Jalpaiguri, before crossing the border to reach the destination. This route was used after the partition before the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 disrupted the passenger services. Even after the partition of India, the Darjeeling Mail initially continued to operate on a similar route. The Gede and Darsana stations in India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) served as custom checkpoints. The services were halted after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, severing the route.


The Darjeeling Mail ran on this route in pre-partition days. Even after the [[partition of India]] it ran on this route for some years.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/articles/isrs/fnrm3-fame-name.html|title = Trains of Fame and Locos with a Name, part 2  |last=Joydeep Dutta and Harsh Vardhan|first= | publisher= [[IRFCA]]| accessdate = 2012-02-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-inter.html  |title =  Geography – International |last=|first= | publisher=[[IRFCA]] | accessdate = 2012-02-22 }}</ref>
From 1965-1971, Darjeeling Mail was made to run via 2 phases. The train used to depart [[Sealdah]] at 12.50 pm & reach {{stnlnk|Barauni}} at 23.30 pm crossing the [[Rajendra Setu]] spanning {{convert|2025|m|ft}} across the Ganges. Then it was a [[Meter Gauge]] journey of {{convert|364.8|km|mi}}. The whole journey of {{convert|923.2|km|mi}} used to take 19 hrs 15 mins. In 1970, {{stnlnk|Barauni}} - {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}} section was converted to [[Broad Gauge]], speeding up the Darjeeling Mail & reduced time. {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}} station was constructed in 1960-1965 period on a greenfield site south of Siliguri Town.


Timings were:- [[Sealdah]] d 17.45 hrs; [[Ranaghat]] d 19.06 hrs; [[Iswardi]] d 21.40 hrs; [[Parbatipur Upazila|Parabtipur]] d 01.35 hrs;
In the early 1970s, when [[Farakka Barrage]] was being constructed, a more radical change was made. Indian Railways created a new broad-gauge rail link from Kolkata, and connected {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}} via {{stnlnk|New Farakka}}, {{stnlnk|Malda Town}}, {{stnlnk|Barsoi}} joining the {{stnlnk|Barauni}} - {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}} section.<ref name=njp/> The {{convert|2256.25|m|ft}} long [[Farakka Barrage]] carries a rail-cum-road bridge across the [[Ganges]]. The rail bridge was thrown open to the public in 1971, thereby linking the [[Barharwa–Azimganj–Katwa loop]] & [[Sahibganj loop]] to {{stnlnk|Malda Town}}, [[Barsoi]], [[Kishanganj]], {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}} and other railway stations in North Bengal.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Salman|first1=Salman M. A.|last2=Uprety|first2=Kishor|title=Conflict and cooperation on South Asia's international rivers: a legal perspective |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8GEr4fyDbqgC&pg=PA135|accessdate= 2011-07-05| year=2002| publisher=World Bank Publications|isbn=978-0-8213-5352-3|pages=135–136}}</ref><ref name=timeline>{{cite web| url = http://irse.bravehost.com/IRHTML.htm| title = Indian Railway History timeline|first=R. P.|last=Saxena| accessdate = 2011-11-20| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714085533/http://irse.bravehost.com/IRHTML.htm| archive-date = 14 July 2012| url-status = dead}}</ref> Since then Darjeeling Mail has been using the [[Howrah–New Jalpaiguri line]]. The train was numbered 3143 Up/3144 Down with Timings as follows: 3143 used to depart [[Sealdah]] at 19.15 pm, reaching {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}} at 06.30 am next morning & 3144 used to depart {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}} at 18.45 pm, reaching [[Sealdah]] at 06.00 am in next morning. This timings was prevalent until 2004, when Darjeeling Mail was renumbered as 2343/2344 & made Superfast by withdrawing some halts and journey time reduced. A slip train was introduced; consisting of a sleeper class and an AC-3 Tier coach. This service continued further to {{stnlnk|Haldibari}} from {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Darjeeling Mail Slip |url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/6874|website=indiarailinfo.com |language=en}}</ref> With the upgradation to LHB coaches, it was cancelled permanently and the entire train was extended till Haldibari. However this decision was met with apprehension as it was thought that it would reduce the importance of New Jalpaiguri station.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ire over Darjeelig Mail's route extension|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/ire-over-darjeeling-mails-route-extension/cid/1880355|date=16 August 2022|access-date=26 June 2025|work=The Telegraph}}</ref>
[[Haldibari, India|Haldibari]] d 03.10; [[Siliguri]] a 04.30 as 43 Up. In return, [[Siliguri]] d 19.15; [[Haldibari, India|Haldibari]] d 20.30; [[Parbatipur Upazila|Parabtipur]] d 22.10 hrs; [[Iswardi]] d 02.05 hrs; [[Ranaghat]] d 04.41 hrs; [[Sealdah]] a 06.00 hrs as 44 Dn. The journey of {{convert|548|km|mi}} was covered in 10 hrs 45 mins at speed of {{convert|51|kph|mph}}
 
===Ferry across Ganges (Post-partition)===
With the partition of India in 1947, the major hurdle in connecting Kolkata and Siliguri was that there was no bridge across the Ganges in West Bengal or Bihar. A generally acceptable route to Siliguri was via [[Sahibganj loop]] to {{stnlnk|Rajmahal}}, then across the Ganges by ferry to [[Manihari]] Ghat on the other side, then to [[Kishanganj]] via [[Manihari]], [[Katihar]] and [[Barsoi]] and finally through narrow gauge to Siliguri.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://goethals1907-2007.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html |title = my school i wish  |work = Madhyamgram Re-visited after 15 years | publisher = |accessdate = 2011-01-23 }}</ref> In 1949 Kishanganj–Siliguri section too was converted to metre gauge, thus making the entire route an uni-gauge one.<ref name=njp/>
 
===Run via Farakka Barrage===
In the early 1965s, when [[Farakka Barrage]] was being constructed, a more radical change was made. Indian Railways created a new broad-gauge rail link from Kolkata, and on a greenfield site south of Siliguri Town built an entirely new broad-gauge junction, {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}}.<ref name=njp/>
 
The {{convert|2256.25|m|ft}} long [[Farakka Barrage]] carries a rail-cum-road bridge across the [[Ganges]]. The rail bridge was thrown open to the public in 1971, thereby linking the [[Barharwa–Azimganj–Katwa loop]] to {{stnlnk|Malda Town}}, [[Barsoi]], [[Kishanganj]], {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri}} and other railway stations in North Bengal.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Salman|first1=Salman M. A.|last2=Uprety|first2=Kishor|title=Conflict and cooperation on South Asia's international rivers: a legal perspective |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8GEr4fyDbqgC&pg=PA135|accessdate= 2011-07-05| year=2002| publisher=World Bank Publications|isbn=978-0-8213-5352-3|pages=135–136}}</ref><ref name=timeline>{{cite web| url = http://irse.bravehost.com/IRHTML.htm| title = Indian Railway History timeline|first=R. P.|last=Saxena| accessdate = 2011-11-20| archive-url = https://archive.is/20120714085533/http://irse.bravehost.com/IRHTML.htm| archive-date = 14 July 2012| url-status = dead}}</ref> Since then Darjeeling Mail has been using the [[Howrah–New Jalpaiguri line]].
 
According to a report, a plan has been made to run the Darjeeling Mail via a new route, which is: Sealdah- Barrackpore- Ranaghat- Krishnanagar- Plassey- Murshidabad- Azimganj- Malda Town to New Jalpaiguri. This is to facilitate the passengers of Nadia and Murshidabad districts who had to travel all the way to Sealdah to catch a train to North Bengal. Moreover the current route is congested and lengthy, resulting in delays. A bridge over the Bhagirathi river has been built and tracks have been laid connecting Murshidabad and Azimganj stations. Once this connection is ready, operating the train through this route will bring down the distance as well as running time.
 
Another report says that the Darjeeling Mail is planned to be run through the now revived Haldibari- Chilahati cross-border railway link, thus retracing the old route on which the train used to ply.
 
== Route and halts ==
 
The important halts of the train are:
 
* {{stnlnk|Sealdah}} (Starts)
* {{stnlnk|Barddhaman Junction}} (3 minutes)
* {{stnlnk|Bolpur Shantiniketan}} (3 minutes)
* {{stnlnk|Malda Town}} (10 minutes)
* {{stnlnk|Kishanganj}} (2 minutes)
* {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri Junction}} (Ends)
 
== Operation ==
 
12343 – Starts from {{stnlnk|Sealdah}} Daily at 22:05 Hrs IST from Platform 9B and reaches Platform 1 or 3 of {{stnlnk|New Jalpaiguri Junction}} next day at 8:15 Hrs IST. In return, 12344 – Starts form New Jalpaiguri Junction at 20:00 Hrs IST and reach Sealdah at 6:00 Hrs IST.
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-  
! Train Number !! Station Code !! Departure Station !! Departure Time !! Departure Day !! Station Code !!Arrival Station !! Arrival Time !! Arrival Day
|-
| 12343 || SDAH || [[Sealdah]] || 22.05 Hrs. || Daily || NJP || {{rws|New Jalpaiguri Junction}} || 08:15 Hrs. || Daily
|-
| 12344 || NJP || {{rws|New Jalpaiguri Junction}} || 20.00 Hrs. || Daily || SDAH || [[Sealdah]] || 06:00 Hrs. || Daily
|}


== Coach composition ==
== Coach composition ==
This train has 24 LHB coaches<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/-train-darjeeling-mail-12343/367/325/444|title=12343/Darjeeling Mail (PT) - Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri ER/Eastern Zone - Railway Enquiry|last=PATRANABIS|first=SREERUP|website=India Rail Info|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref>{{Indian Railways coach composition legend}}
This train runs with 22 [[LHB coach|Linke-Hoffman Busch coaches]]. It has two dedicated rakes with primary maintenance at {{stnlnk|Sealdah}}. It is an ISO 9001:2008 certified train. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/-train-darjeeling-mail-12343/367/325/444|title=12343/Darjeeling Mail (PT) - Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri ER/Eastern Zone - Railway Enquiry|website=India Rail Info|access-date=2025-06-22}}</ref>
'''Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri'''
{{Indian Railways coach composition legend}}
'''Coach Position of 12343 (ex. Sealdah)'''
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |Loco
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |Loco
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |1
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |1
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |2
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |2
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |3
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |3
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |4
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |4
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |5
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |5
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |6
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |6
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |7
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |7
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |8
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |8
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |9
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |9
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |10
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |10
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |11
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |11
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |12
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |12
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |13
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |13
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |14
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |14
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |15
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |15
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |16
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |16
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |17
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |17
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |18
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |18
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |19
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |19
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |20
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |20
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |21
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |21
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |22
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |22
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |23
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |24
|-
|-
|[[File:BSicon_LDER.svg|25x25px]]
|[[File:BSicon_LDER.svg|25x25px]]
|SLR
|EOG
|GEN
|GEN
|S1
|S1
|S2
|S3
|S4
|S5
|S6
|B1
|B1
|A1
|A2
|B2
|B2
|B3
|B3
Line 121: Line 98:
|B6
|B6
|B7
|B7
|A1
|A2
|H1
|H1
|S2
|S3
|S4
|S5
|S6
|S7
|S8
|S9
|GEN
|GEN
|GEN
|GEN
|MIL
|EOG
|SLR
|}
|}
'''New Jalpaiguri to Sealdah'''
 
'''Coach Position of 12344 (ex. New Jalpaiguri)'''
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |Loco
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |Loco
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |1
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |1
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |2
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |2
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |3
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |3
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |4
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |4
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |5
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |5
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |6
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |6
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |7
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |7
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |8
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |8
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |9
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |9
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |10
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |10
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |11
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |11
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |12
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |12
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |13
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |13
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |14
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |14
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |15
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |15
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |16
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |16
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |17
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |17
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |18
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |18
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |19
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |19
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |20
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |20
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |21
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |21
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" |22
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |22
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" |23
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" |24
|-
|-
|[[File:BSicon_LDER.svg|25x25px]]
|[[File:BSicon_LDER.svg|25x25px]]
|SLR
|EOG
|MIL
|GEN
|GEN
|GEN
|GEN
|S9
|S8
|S7
|S6
|S5
|S4
|S3
|S2
|H1
|H1
|A2
|A1
|B7
|B7
|B6
|B6
Line 183: Line 145:
|B3
|B3
|B2
|B2
|A1
|A2
|B1
|B1
|S6
|S5
|S4
|S3
|S2
|S1
|S1
|SLR
|GEN
|GEN
|EOG
|}
|}


== Gallery ==
Passengers are advised to check the coach position indicators at the station before boarding.
<gallery>
 
File:Darjeeling Mail - AC 3 tier.jpg|Darjeeling Mail – AC 3 tier
==Service==
File:Darjeeling Mail - Sleeper Class.jpg|Darjeeling Mail – Sleeper Class
* The 12343 Sealdah - Haldibari  Darjeeling Mail leaves {{rws|Sealdah}} at 22:15 hrs everyday and reaches  [[Haldibari, India|Haldibari]] 9:40 am the next day at, covering 629 kms distance in 11 hrs 20 mins averaging at {{cvt|64.00|km/h|mph}}.
</gallery>
* The 12344 Haldibari – Sealdah Darjeeling Mail leaves [[Haldibari, India|Haldibari]] at 18:15 hrs everyday and reaches {{rws|Sealdah}} the next day at 05:00 hrs, covering 629 kms distance in 10 hrs 25 mins averaging at {{cvt|63.60|km/h|mph}}.
* On its route, the train stops at [[Jalpaiguri railway station|Jalpaiguri]] , [[New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station|New Jalpaiguri Junction]] , {{rws|Barddhaman Junction}}, {{rws|Bolpur Shantiniketan}}, {{rws|Malda Town}}, and  {{rws|Kishanganj}} stations.
 
==Traction==
Since the route is completely electrified, this train is hauled entirely by a [[Electric Loco Shed, Howrah|Howrah]] or a {{stnlnk|Sealdah}} based [[WAP-7]] locomotive.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Sealdah railway station]]
*[[Sealdah railway station]]
*[[New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station]]
*[[New Jalpaiguri railway station ]]
*[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]]
*[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]]
 
*[[Hatibari railway station|Haldibari Railway Station]]
==Other trains on the Kolkata–New Jalpaiguri sector==
* 12041/42 [[New Jalpaiguri–Howrah Shatabdi Express]]
* 22309/10 [[Howrah–New Jalpaiguri AC Express]]
* 12377/78 [[Padatik Express]]
* 12343/44 [[Darjeeling Mail]]
* 15959/60 [[Kamrup Express]]
* 13175/76 [[Kanchenjunga Express]]
* 12345/46 [[Saraighat Express]]
* 15721/22 [[Paharia Express|New Jalpaiguri–Digha Express]]
* 12517/18 [[Kolkata–Guwahati Garib Rath Express]]
* 12525/26 [[Dibrugarh–Kolkata Superfast Express]]
* 13141/42 [[Teesta Torsha Express]]
* 13147/48 [[Uttar Banga Express]]
* 12503/04 [[Bangalore Cantonment–Agartala Humsafar Express]]
* 13181/82 [[Kaziranga]] Express
* 22511/12 [[Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Kamakhya Karmabhoomi Express]]
* 15643/44 [[Puri–Kamakhya Weekly Express (via Howrah)]]
* 12363/64 [[Kolkata–Haldibari Intercity Express]]
* 12509/10 [[Guwahati–Bengaluru Cantt. Superfast Express]]
* 12507/08 [[Thiruvananthapuram–Silchar Superfast Express]]
* 12513/14 [[Guwahati–Secunderabad Express]]


==References==
==References==
Line 228: Line 178:
==External links==
==External links==
{{external media
{{external media
| align=right
| float=right
| video1=  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViSXdiujV5M Darjeeling Mail-WDP4 magic with 8 AC coaches]
| video1=  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViSXdiujV5M Darjeeling Mail-WDP4 magic with 8 AC coaches]
| video2=  [http://video.hmongclip.com/?w=V7pT8FTHWwY&title=Darjeeling-Mail Darjeeling Mail at Kamarkundu Junction]
| video2=  [http://video.hmongclip.com/?w=V7pT8FTHWwY&title=Darjeeling-Mail Darjeeling Mail at Kamarkundu Junction]
Line 235: Line 185:


{{Historical trains in India}}
{{Historical trains in India}}
|{{Railways in Eastern India}}
{{Railways in Eastern India}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Darjeeling Mail}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Darjeeling Mail}}
[[Category:Transport in Kolkata]]
[[Category:Transport in Kolkata]]
[[Category:Rail transport in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Rail transport in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Named passenger trains of India]]
[[Category:Transport in Siliguri]]
[[Category:Transport in Jalpaiguri]]
[[Category:Transport in Jalpaiguri]]
[[Category:Mail trains in India]]
[[Category:Mail trains in India]]

Latest revision as of 05:27, 24 February 2026


Darjeeling Mail
Darjeeling Mail at New Jalpaiguri Junction.
Overview
Service typeSuperfast
First service1 January 1878; 148 years ago (1878-01-01)
Current operator(s)Eastern Railway
Route
StartSealdah (SDAH)
Stops6
EndHaldibari (HDB)
Distance travelled629 km
Average journey time11 hours 20 minutes
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)12343 / 12344
On-board services
Class(es)AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesOn-board catering,
E-catering
Observation facilitiesLarge windows
Baggage facilitiesAvailable
Other facilitiesBelow the seats
Technical
Rolling stockLHB coach
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed130 km/h (81 mph) maximum
Route map
Darjeeling Mail route map

Template:Darjeeling Mail route The 12343/12344 Darjeeling Mail is one of the oldest running trains in India. It connects Kolkata with Haldibari This is a major train for Kolkata–Siliguri route.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

During the British period all connections to North Bengal were through East Bengal. From 1878, the railway route from Kolkata, then called Calcutta, to Siliguri was in two laps. The first lap was a 184.9 kilometres (114.9 mi) long journey along the Eastern Bengal State Railway from Calcutta Station (later renamed Sealdah) to Damookdeah Ghat on the southern bank of the Padma River. The passengers would then avail a ferry across the river. The second lap of the journey was a 363.1 kilometres (225.6 mi) metre-gauge line of the North Bengal Railway that linked Saraghat on the northern bank of the Padma to Siliguri.[2]

The 1.8 kilometres (5,900 ft) long Hardinge Bridge across the Padma came up in 1912.[3] In 1916 the metre-gauge section north of the bridge was converted to broad gauge, and so the entire Calcutta – Siliguri route became broad-gauge.[2] The route thus roughly ran: Sealdah–Ranaghat–Bheramara–Hardinge Bridge–Iswardi–Santahar–Hili–Parbatipur–Nilphamari–Haldibari–Jalpaiguri–Siliguri. The train ran on this route in pre-partition days. Even after the partition of India it ran on this route for some years.[4][5] So before Partition: The train's pre-partition route was roughly: Sealdah–Ranaghat–Bheramara–Hardinge Bridge–Iswardi–Santahar–Hili–Parbatipur–Nilphamari–Haldibari–Jalpaiguri–Siliguri.

With the partition of India in 1947, the major hurdle in connecting Kolkata and Siliguri was that there was no bridge across the Ganges in West Bengal or Bihar. A generally acceptable route to Siliguri was via Sahibganj loop to Rajmahal, then across the Ganges by ferry to Manihari Ghat on the other side, then to Kishanganj via Manihari, Katihar and Barsoi and finally through narrow gauge to Siliguri.[6] In 1949 Kishanganj–Siliguri section too was converted to metre gauge, thus making the entire route a uni-gauge one.[2] On 26 January 1950 Sealdah Siliguri ( BG/MG) North Bank mail via Kishanganj was introduced. In 1964 it was renamed as Darjeeling mail. From 1947 to 1965, the Darjeeling Mail ran from Sealdah to Siliguri, passing through stations like Ranaghat, Gede, Darsana, Santahar, Parbatipur, Nilphamari, and Jalpaiguri, before crossing the border to reach the destination. This route was used after the partition before the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 disrupted the passenger services. Even after the partition of India, the Darjeeling Mail initially continued to operate on a similar route. The Gede and Darsana stations in India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) served as custom checkpoints. The services were halted after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, severing the route.

From 1965-1971, Darjeeling Mail was made to run via 2 phases. The train used to depart Sealdah at 12.50 pm & reach Barauni at 23.30 pm crossing the Rajendra Setu spanning 2,025 metres (6,644 ft) across the Ganges. Then it was a Meter Gauge journey of 364.8 kilometres (226.7 mi). The whole journey of 923.2 kilometres (573.6 mi) used to take 19 hrs 15 mins. In 1970, Barauni - New Jalpaiguri section was converted to Broad Gauge, speeding up the Darjeeling Mail & reduced time. New Jalpaiguri station was constructed in 1960-1965 period on a greenfield site south of Siliguri Town.

In the early 1970s, when Farakka Barrage was being constructed, a more radical change was made. Indian Railways created a new broad-gauge rail link from Kolkata, and connected New Jalpaiguri via New Farakka, Malda Town, Barsoi joining the Barauni - New Jalpaiguri section.[2] The 2,256.25 metres (7,402.4 ft) long Farakka Barrage carries a rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganges. The rail bridge was thrown open to the public in 1971, thereby linking the Barharwa–Azimganj–Katwa loop & Sahibganj loop to Malda Town, Barsoi, Kishanganj, New Jalpaiguri and other railway stations in North Bengal.[7][8] Since then Darjeeling Mail has been using the Howrah–New Jalpaiguri line. The train was numbered 3143 Up/3144 Down with Timings as follows: 3143 used to depart Sealdah at 19.15 pm, reaching New Jalpaiguri at 06.30 am next morning & 3144 used to depart New Jalpaiguri at 18.45 pm, reaching Sealdah at 06.00 am in next morning. This timings was prevalent until 2004, when Darjeeling Mail was renumbered as 2343/2344 & made Superfast by withdrawing some halts and journey time reduced. A slip train was introduced; consisting of a sleeper class and an AC-3 Tier coach. This service continued further to Haldibari from New Jalpaiguri.[9] With the upgradation to LHB coaches, it was cancelled permanently and the entire train was extended till Haldibari. However this decision was met with apprehension as it was thought that it would reduce the importance of New Jalpaiguri station.[10]

Coach composition[edit | edit source]

This train runs with 22 Linke-Hoffman Busch coaches. It has two dedicated rakes with primary maintenance at Sealdah. It is an ISO 9001:2008 certified train. [11] Template:Indian Railways coach composition legend Coach Position of 12343 (ex. Sealdah)

Loco 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
EOG GEN GEN S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 A1 A2 H1 GEN GEN EOG

Coach Position of 12344 (ex. New Jalpaiguri)

Loco 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
EOG GEN GEN H1 A2 A1 B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B2 B1 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 S1 GEN GEN EOG

Passengers are advised to check the coach position indicators at the station before boarding.

Service[edit | edit source]

Traction[edit | edit source]

Since the route is completely electrified, this train is hauled entirely by a Howrah or a Sealdah based WAP-7 locomotive.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ PATRANABIS, SREERUP. "12343/Darjeeling Mail (PT) - Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri ER/Eastern Zone - Railway Enquiry". India Rail Info. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "India: the complex history of the junctions at Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri". IRFCA. Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  3. ↑ Chowdhury, Sifatul Quader (2012). "Hardinge Bridge". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. (eds.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
  4. ↑ Joydeep Dutta and Harsh Vardhan. "Trains of Fame and Locos with a Name, part 2". IRFCA. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  5. ↑ "Geography – International". IRFCA. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
  6. ↑ "my school i wish". Madhyamgram Re-visited after 15 years. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
  7. ↑ Salman, Salman M. A.; Uprety, Kishor (2002). Conflict and cooperation on South Asia's international rivers: a legal perspective. World Bank Publications. pp. 135–136. ISBN 978-0-8213-5352-3. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  8. ↑ Saxena, R. P. "Indian Railway History timeline". Retrieved 20 November 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  9. ↑ "Darjeeling Mail Slip". indiarailinfo.com.
  10. ↑ "Ire over Darjeelig Mail's route extension". The Telegraph. 16 August 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  11. ↑ "12343/Darjeeling Mail (PT) - Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri ER/Eastern Zone - Railway Enquiry". India Rail Info. Retrieved 22 June 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

External video
Darjeeling Mail-WDP4 magic with 8 AC coaches
Darjeeling Mail at Kamarkundu Junction
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