“A narrow gauge railway line” would be the best way to describe the “Kalka-Shimla Railway” line. This railway line runs through the beautiful Shivalik hills. Over the years this railway line acquired such popularity that in the year 2008 UNESCO added it to its list of “World Heritage Sites”. So, here is presenting a few facts that would explain the significance of this unique railway line which connects Shimla to Kalka.
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Kalka-Shimla Railway" line Map
a. The “History” of “Kalka-Shimla Railway” Line:
It was post the “Anglo Gurkha War” fought between 1814 and 1816 that the British, for the first time, settled in Shimla. This hill town is located at an high altitude of 7116 feet above sea level. Due to its very pleasant climate in the summers, the British decided to officially make Shimla its “Summer Capital” in 1864. It also became the headquarters of the army. And so, it became important that this scenic hill station remained well connected throughout the region. It is then with the intention to improve travel connectivity within this area that the construction of “Kalka-Shimla Railway” line began in 1898. It was eventually on 9th November 1903 that this railway line was made public for the first time, and was dedicated to Viceroy Lord Curzon.
b. The “Route, stations, bridges and tunnels, and trains” of the “Kalka-Shimla Railway” Line:
The route essentially used by the “Kalka-Shimla Railway” line begins from the Himalayan Shivalik Hills and ends eventually at Shimla. Furthermore, the major stations on this route include Kalka, Taksal, Dharampur, Barog, Solan, Kandaghat, Shoghi, Jutogh, Summer Hill, and Shimla. Additionally, this line comprises of about 864 bridges, 919 curves, and 102 tunnels currently (there were about 170 originally). The train services available along this line are as follows:
- Shivalik Deluxe Express: Which includes 10 coaches, with chair cars and meal service.
- Kalka Shimla Express: Includes first and second class and unreserved class seating arrangements.
- Himalayan Queen: It connects at Kalka with a namesake express mail and the Kalka Shatabdi Express to Delhi.
- Kalka Shimla Passenger: Includes first and second class as well as unreserved seating arrangements.
- Rail Motor: It essentially is a railbus comprising of glass roof and front view.
- Shivalik Queen: A ten-carriage train consisting of two toilets,wall-to-wall carpeting and large windows.
c. The “locomotives” used in the “Kalka-Shimla Railway” Line:
“2 feet 6 inches” is the actual measurement of the narrow gauge railway track used by the “Kalka-Shimla Railway”. However, the two locomotives initially used in this line belonged to the class-B 0–4-0STs (used by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) and measured about 2 feet.It therefore was extended by 6 inches in 1901 to suit the track used in this line. As of today though, this line makes use of class “ZDM-3 diesel-hydraulic locomotives”, which was built by the “Chittaranjan Locomotive Works” in between 1970 and 1982.
d. The “impact” of the “Kalka-Shimla Railway” Line on popular culture:
It was “BBC4” via its program titled “Indian Hill Railways” for the first time televised the “Kalka-Shimla Railway” line. This documentary series included two more episodes based on the Darjeeling Himalayan and Nilgiri Mountain Railways.
So, if you intend to joyfully enjoy the magnificent views of the hills surrounding this unique railway track then, you must travel by a train operating on the “Kalka-Shimla Railway” line.
Also Read: 5 UNKNOWN HILL STATIONS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
Image Credits: Wikipedia and