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Key Points

The iconic Kalka-Shimla toy train has been suspended for three consecutive days due to multiple landslides and track damage caused by heavy rainfall. Northern Railway has officially halted all services until September 5 while engineers work to clear debris and repair washed-away sections near Datiyar. Local taxi operators and tourism businesses are suffering significant losses as the train serves as their primary source of tourist arrivals during monsoon season. With more rain forecasted, authorities remain uncertain about when the UNESCO World Heritage route will fully resume operations.

Key Points: Kalka-Shimla Toy Train Suspended Third Day Due to Landslides

  • Multiple landslides block UNESCO World Heritage route near Datiyar
  • Railway suspends all services until at least September 5
  • Taxi drivers struggle to cover daily expenses without tourist arrivals
  • Heavy rainfall damages infrastructure and washes away track sections
  • Tourism businesses suffer during peak monsoon season
  • Authorities deploy teams but timeline remains uncertain
2 min read

Kalka-Shimla toy train services remain suspended for third day; tourism, taxi business in Shimla suffer losses

Kalka-Shimla toy train services remain suspended for third day due to landslides and track damage from heavy rains, severely impacting Shimla tourism and taxi business.

"Our livelihood was running only because of the train, but since it stopped, everything has come to a standstill - Luckey, Taxi Union President"

Shimla, September 3

The iconic Kalka-Shimla toy train services remained suspended for the third consecutive day on Wednesday due to multiple landslides and track blockages caused by incessant rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, severely impacting the tourism and taxi business in the hill capital.

Continuous heavy rains for nearly a week have disrupted normal life in the state, blocking roads and damaging infrastructure. The Northern Railway has announced that all services on the UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge route will remain suspended until September 5 as engineers work to clear debris and repair damaged sections of the track, particularly near Datiyar in the Solan district, where a portion of the track has reportedly been washed away.

The suspension has hit local tourism-related businesses hard, especially during the monsoon season when many visitors prefer the toy train for its scenic yet relatively safe travel experience.

Luckey, President of the Taxi Union at Shimla Railway Station, told ANI that the halt in services has left many drivers struggling to make ends meet.

"The rain has caused a lot of trouble. Roads are blocked almost everywhere. Our business has been badly affected. The train was our only link, bringing in some tourists, but it has been closed for five days now. We are finding it hard to even cover our daily expenses," Luckey said.

He added that while the Railway has officially notified suspension until September 5, the damage is extensive.

"They say landslides have occurred in multiple places and near Datiyar, the track itself is gone. Even here at the station, we have to leave our vehicles and walk to avoid damage, because trees are falling everywhere. Our livelihood was running only because of the train, but since it stopped, everything has come to a standstill," he lamented.

Authorities have deployed teams to clear landslides and restore connectivity on the track, but with more rain forecast, the timeline for resumption of services remains uncertain.

The Kalka-Shimla toy train, built in 1903, a heritage train route is one of the region's biggest tourist draws, offering panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and colonial-era architecture. Its prolonged suspension during peak monsoon season is expected to cause further economic strain on those dependent on tourism in the city.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
We had booked tickets for next week! Now our entire Shimla trip is uncertain. The toy train experience was the main attraction for our family 😥
A
Aman W
Climate change is hitting Himachal hard this monsoon. Last year also similar issues. Government needs better disaster management planning for hilly areas.
S
Sarah B
I took that train last year - absolutely magical journey! Feel so bad for the taxi drivers and local businesses depending on tourism. Hope restoration happens quickly 🙏
V
Vikram M
While safety is priority, Northern Railway should have better contingency plans. This UNESCO heritage route needs special maintenance attention given the terrain.
K
Kavya N
Monsoon in hills is beautiful but comes with these challenges. Tourists should check weather updates before planning trips. Praying for safety of all workers repairing the tracks 🙏

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