Shimla, Oct 2
With the Durga Pooja holidays right across the corner, Tourism Industry Stake Holders Association has been put into worries as shared by Mohinder Seth, President, “We have come to know from a reliable source that railways is intending to terminate the Howra -Kalka train at Chandigarh instead of Kalka. The termination of Howra- Kalka train at Chandigarh will hit the tourism of Shimla Circuit badly in particular and of Himachal in general because Shimla is a gate way for tourists coming to Himachal.”
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Shimla – Kalka Howra train is very popular train that contributes large number of tourist inflow from West Bengal especially during this season of the year as it is the most convenient train for tourists due to its direct connectivity upto Shimla by World Heritage Kalka Shimla train.
“Howra- Kalka train is running well since the Shimla Kalka rail line came in existence in 1903 .In case the train will stop connecting Kalka the existence rail service for Shimla will come under a threat. The tourists from West Bengal and Maharashtra contribute a large Inflow of tourists to Himachal. The occupancy of hotels not approachable by car totally depends on tourists coming by rail along with the business of local travel agents and taxi operators. Shimla is already facing parking problem and such move will only increase traffic because the tourist will be having no option except to travel by road”, said Mohinder.
This move might have a negative impact on tourism of Shimla in particular and of the state in general because maximum tourists visiting Himachal start their journey from Shimla. Association members have urged the railway authority to review their decision to terminate both the trains from Howra and Bandra at Chandigarh instead of Kalka in the larger interest of tourism and convenience of tourists. They have decided to take up the matter with the Chief Minister also requesting him to take up the matter with the Ministry of railways to continue termination of both the trains at Kalka to save the tourism.
