What has brought devastation for many has turned into an opportunity for some. As North Bengal reels under landslides and torrential rain, tourists stranded in the hills are facing not only nature’s fury but also exploitation from a section of transport operators.

“Never imagined our holiday would end like this,” said a tourist from Dum Dum, Kolkata, who came to Darjeeling with 16 family members for the Durga Puja vacation. “The usual car fare from Darjeeling to Siliguri is ₹3,500. Now they’re demanding ₹15,000!”

According to several visitors, taxi drivers have sharply increased fares for the 63-kilometer stretch between Darjeeling and Siliguri, claiming roads are blocked due to landslides. “Even after pleading with folded hands, they refused to lower the rate. One driver bluntly said he wouldn’t drive for less than ₹12,000,” the tourist said.

The family, who had booked return tickets on the Uttarbanga Express for Sunday, had to cancel them after the calamity struck Saturday night. “We spent the entire night awake at the hotel. Thunder, lightning and heavy rain shook the hills,” said the woman. “On Sunday morning, when we went to the taxi stand at Chowk Bazaar, we found drivers unwilling to go down to Siliguri.”

Drivers cited multiple landslides near Pankhabari and Dilaram and said they would have to take risky detours. However, tourists alleged that many vehicles were still plying — only for those ready to pay exorbitant rates.

“We’ve run out of money after four days of sightseeing. Two vehicles are needed for our group, but paying ₹24,000 is impossible. We’re stuck,” the woman said.

With train and road communication disrupted, hundreds of tourists remain stranded in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. State authorities have advised visitors to stay indoors and avoid travel until restoration work is completed.