Special holiday train to Shimla launched

To accommodate the surge of tourists during Christmas and New Year, Northern Railway has introduced special holiday trains on the iconic Kalka-Shimla railway line. The service, which began today, will run until February 28 allowing travellers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

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On its inaugural day, 81 passengers boarded the train, which has a capacity of 156 seats, according to Sanjay Ghera, Station Superintendent of Shimla Railway Station. Train No. 52443 departs from Kalka at 8:05 am and arrives in Shimla at 1:35 pm, while train No. 52444 leaves Shimla at 4:50 pm, reaching Kalka at 9:45 pm. The trains will stop at Dharampur, Barog, Solan, Kandaghat and Summerhill.

Each train features seven coaches, including three general, two chair cars, and two first-class coaches, catering to a variety of travellers.

An official from the Northern Railways, Ambala Division, stated: “The Christmas and New Year season marks a peak in tourism for Shimla, attracting both domestic and international visitors. These special holiday trains will not only promote tourism but also contribute to railway revenue.”

The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a narrow-gauge line stretching 96.6 km, was built during the British era and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. This initiative aims to provide tourists with a unique travel experience while preserving the heritage of the railway line.