Shimla-Kalka Toy Train Suspended After Rain Undermines Track in Solan
Ten trains on the Shimla-Kalka UNESCO heritage line were cancelled after heavy rain washed out soil beneath the track in Solan district.
The Shimla-Kalka narrow gauge railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faced a fresh disruption on Sunday after incessant rain caused soil slippage that undermined a section of track in Solan district. The affected stretch lies between Koti and Gumman stations, near Bridge No 57, where the structure was left exposed after the supporting earth was washed away.
Railway officials confirmed that ten trains operating between Kalka and Shimla were cancelled on Sunday. The popular 'toy train' service was suspended following the incident on Saturday night. According to Shimla Railway Station Superintendent Sanjay Gevar, services will only resume after the affected track is secured and deemed safe for operations.
The Kalka-Shimla line, which spans 96 kilometres through challenging terrain, has experienced multiple disruptions this monsoon season due to rain and landslides. The route is known for its 102 tunnels, 800 bridges, and 919 bends, making it a significant engineering achievement and a major tourist draw.
Meanwhile, the broader region continues to grapple with the monsoon's impact. As of Sunday evening, 64 roads across Himachal Pradesh remained closed, with Mandi district accounting for 24 closures, followed by Kullu with 16. The Shimla meteorological centre has issued an alert for heavy rainfall in isolated areas until September 3.
Rainfall recorded since Saturday evening includes 71.5 mm at Dhaulakuan and 36.8 mm at Nahan. The state has received 205.5 mm of rain between August 1 and 30, an 18 per cent deficit from the normal 251.7 mm. Since the monsoon onset on June 30, rain-related incidents have claimed about 104 lives statewide, with estimated losses of Rs 1,184 crore.