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Train services on the Kalka-Shimla heritage line were suspended on June 22 after cracks were discovered on a railway bridge the previous night. Railway officials informed that four out of seven trains have been suspended, with two trains running till Taradevi and one till Kandaghat. Shimla's tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the suspension of train services, particularly during the peak summer season when hill station travel is in high demand.
Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association President M K Seth expressed disappointment that permanent solutions have not been implemented by railway authorities despite a year passing. He also mentioned that the railway authorities are not providing any information regarding when train services to Shimla will resume. Virender Thakur, a local councillor from the Shimla Municipal Corporation, stated that they will formally request the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Northern Railway to restore these services.
Tourists are facing difficulties as they have to rearrange their travel plans due to the suspension of train services. Last year, heavy rains in July and August caused extensive damage to the track at multiple locations and even swept away a 50-meter bridge near Summer Hill. Services resumed in October after repairs were completed. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shimla-Kalka Railway spans 96 km through challenging hilly terrain with 103 tunnels, now reduced to 102 after one collapsed four decades ago.
Concerns over delayed permanent solutions
Seth raised concerns about what would happen during the upcoming monsoon season, given that train services have been suspended after just two spells of rain. Thakur explained that the temporary railway bridge was built last year and resumed within three months but has started sliding from the corner of the bridge recently. Technical officials visited the site, and trains have been suspended until further notice.
Thakur emphasized their demand for restoring the railway track, stating that 8-9 trains run daily on this heritage trek, packed with tourists. They hope for restoration soon but cannot run trains until they receive a green signal from DRM Northern Railway.
Impact on tourists and locals
Mohmmad Sultan, a tourist from Kanpur, expressed his confusion and difficulty in rearranging travel plans for his family due to train suspensions. Another local tourist named Maani shared his disappointment after his ticket was canceled and said they would have to plan another route since there is no certainty about when train services will resume.
In conclusion, while tourists and locals face inconvenience due to train suspensions on the Kalka-Shimla heritage line, concerns mount over delayed permanent solutions by railway authorities. The upcoming monsoon season poses further challenges for this UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway line.
