Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway services suspended after landslides, restoration underway

Shimla, Sept 2,

Train operations on the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka–Shimla railway line have been suspended till September 5 after heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides, leaving portions of the track buried under debris and sections structurally damaged.

According to a Railway Board notification, the most affected stretch lies between Koti and Kanoh stations, where continuous downpours on Monday sent mud and boulders crashing onto the track. Officials said clearance and repair work has begun, but passenger services will remain halted until the route is inspected and declared safe.

The disruption comes close on the heels of Sunday evening’s incident near Sanwara gate, where a major landslide left heavy stones scattered across the rail line, delaying trains heading from Shimla to Kalka. Emergency teams managed to restore movement late at night after urgent repair work.

Restoration efforts are now being carried out on a war footing. However, authorities caution that with fresh rainfall warnings in place, ensuring passenger safety takes precedence over speedy resumption of services.

This is not the first time the century-old mountain railway has been affected by monsoon fury. In 2023, services had to be suspended near Summerhill on the Shimla stretch for a number of days after a damaged portion of the line made the route unsafe for travel.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.