Darjeeling Mail - উত্তরবঙ্গের ঐতিহ্য - Joydeep Roy

Loco reversals can be actually be eliminated imo. Instead of going in and out of Barkakhana, Ranchi Road and Patratau can easily be substitute stations. Ranchi Road as the name is suggestive is actually far better connected than Barkakhana.
Elimination of Chopan is a bit more challenging though, Obra Dam isn't a proper substitute for Chopan. Also water refilling is another challenge. Between DHN & KMZ, a reversal has to be done at CPU for refilling, as SGRL isn't up to the task.
But the main challenge is the complete lack...
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of fooding options that travellers have to face, after DHN only BRKA is the station where some decent food shops are available. After DHN decent E-catering options may only be available KMZ onwards. DTO is a somewhat passable option but train halt times aren't that long, trust me if you haven't travelled in this route how important it is stack up your food supplies at DHN and BRKA.
As for diversion it is out of question, because every train route has it's passengers, and diversions via SECR, with 12 hours delays not withstanding, is uncalled for. Rather trains on this route should be increased post completion of doubling of the DHN-KMZ route.
A daily train for CSMT and ADI/ST should be run in this route imo, after finding suitable alternates to BRKA and CPU.