Shimla-Kalka rail service suspended

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 13

The state capital recorded 207.6 mm of rain in the past 24 hours — the highest precipitation in 11 years — leaving a trail of destruction in various parts. A record rainfall ( 122 mm) was earlier witnessed on August 13, 2007. However, the highest (272 mm) was recorded in 1901.

As many as 165 routes of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) were affected. However, most of the routes had now been restored for traffic, said Shimla DC Amit Kashyap. He added that other blocked roads were expected to be opened by late this evening or Tuesday morning.

The power supply was restored after erecting poles at 19 locations.

Residents and tourists have been advised not to park their vehicle along the hillside. The authorities have ordered the closure of schools on Tuesday.

LIfe crippled

• The Shimla-Kalka rail service was suspended following a landslide on the railway track near Jatogh.
• National Highway-5 was blocked at three places in Kinnaur district — Pooh, the Taitty valley and Khadura, while bridges on the Skiba-Rispa road and the Leo Bridge-Hang road were damaged. 
• Roads leading from Kennedy Chowk to AG Chowk, Lift to Shilli Chowk, Ramchandera Chowk to US Club and the Sunni-Devidhar road are still blocked.