Iconic Kalka-Shimla Heritage Track Damaged in Himachal

22 Aug 2023 CW Team

A segment of the Kalka-Shimla railway, which holds the status of a world heritage site, suffered damage in the capital of Himachal Pradesh due to a hillside section collapsing following heavy rainfall.

An official stated that a significant portion of the track between Jutogh and Summer Hill railway stations in Shimla was eroded by the rain, causing it to dangle from the hillside. As a result of this incident, train services between Kandaghat and Shimla have been halted.

The Kalka-Shimla rail line, renowned as "toy trains," owing to its quaint charm, has been in operation for over a century. These trains, with seven coaches each, have a capacity of accommodating nearly 200 passengers. The narrow gauge railroad stretches 96 kilometers and was initially constructed to transport Europeans to Shimla, which served as the summer capital during the British India era. Recognizing its historical significance, UNESCO designated it as a world heritage site in 2008.

Infrastructure Urban

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