118-year-old steam engine chugs on heritage track

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, November 28

The 118-year old steam engine dating back to the British era chugged on the world heritage rail track once again today with 13 foreign passengers on board.

The coal-fired steam engine which was not in use for the general trains is only provided for the chartered trips and is a major revenue spinner for the Railways. 

Two coaches were provided to the 13-member entourage of foreigners who had specially hired it to enjoy the scenic splendor, confided railway officials. 

The coaches were booked for more than a lakh of rupees as especially foreign travellers have a penchant for travel on this heritage track which was constructed 118 years ago by the British.

The 22-km journey from Shimla-Kaithlighat and back was completed in more than an hour with the pine forests and 

scenic lush green environs providing the tourists an apt heritage experience.

“The steam engines which could not be repaired in the absence of spare parts were discontinued several years ago and now they were provided only to the chartered trains which were hired for shorter journeys between Shimla and Kaithlighat” confided a rail official.

This engine was put through two trial runs after being repaired in Punjab earlier this year. Their success encouraged the officials to make available these coal-fired engines for commercial journeys. The charter requests are handled by the Divisional Railway Manager at Ambala which weighs its operational feasibility before making reservations.

The train traversed through various stations, including Summer Hill, Jutogh, Tara Devi and Shogi, before reaching Kaithlighat in the afternoon. 

The 96-km track from Kalka to Shimla comprising 102 tunnels and 864 bridges is listed in the UNESCO’s world heritage list for its engineering marvel. Constructed by the British in 1898 the 2 feet 6 inches narrow gauge track attracts visitors from far and wide for its scenic splendour.