Heavy rains force cancellation of ten heritage ‘toy trains’ on Kalka-Shimla line
Ten trains on the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge line were halted after rain caused a soil slip that left a track segment hanging.
Continuous rain in Solan district caused a landslip that removed earth around Bridge No. 57, leaving part of the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge track unsupported. Railway authorities suspended operations on the affected stretch on Saturday night and cancelled ten trains on Sunday, according to Shimla Railway Station Superintendent Sanjay Gevar. Services will only resume after the track is stabilized and safety checks are completed.
The suspension reduced activity at Shimla station, which saw fewer travelers and tourists. This incident follows several rain-induced disruptions on the 96-km heritage line, known for its 102 tunnels and 800 bridges. Meanwhile, the state’s emergency centre reported dozens of road closures and damage to power and water infrastructure due to the ongoing monsoon.
Why it matters
The shutdown hampers tourism and local travel on a iconic railway, highlighting vulnerability of mountain infrastructure to extreme weather.
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