Siliguri, Feb. 15: The toy train is popular in the UK even in times of recession, but the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society is worried that the political uncertainty in north Bengal will hit hard the hill railway’s international reputation.

“In the UK, we’ve had our fair share of economic problems. But it is heartening to see that the tours to Darjeeling are selling well and I am delighted to have the opportunity of introducing more DHR enthusiasts to the adventure of a lifetime. However, bad news always travels faster than good. I understand that there are very important political issues at stake that may impact the DHR in various ways,” said David Barrie, the chairman.

Barrie was referring to the statehood movement by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha that cost the DHR dear. He introduced a group of 26 European tourists to the DHR.

Barrie, who has come to India on a 12-day visit, was speaking at the 10th annual conference of DHR lovers here on Saturday. “The news on the web gives cause for concern and impacts the potential tourist market. It would be a great loss for everybody if the cost of maintaining the DHR coupled with political uncertainty gives the Indian Railways a cause to reconsider the service,” he added.

The DHRS chairman and a few other society members reviewed the community projects funded by them.

The DHR India Support Group — the society’s India chapter — was recently given an award in the UK by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships for its contribution for charity projects along the tracks.

Barrie presented the award to the India chapter of the DHRS during the conference.