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Kalka Shimla Railway
 Fast
Facts
Project Launched In the Year : 1901
Project Completed In the Year : 1903
Duration of one way Journey : 5 hrs
Route : Kalka - Barog - Dharampore - Taksai
- Gamma - Solan - Shimla
Kalka Departure : 5.30 am
Shimla Arr : 10.15 am
Shimla Departure : 17.40 pm
Kalka Arr : 22.20 pm
Overview
Of course, the pristine natural beauty of Shimla attracts tourists
from all over the world, but the toy train journey between Kalka
and Shimla is as important as the hill station, perhaps even
more. Kalka Shimla Toy Train is an ultimate triumph of contemporary
style and serendipity over speed. The line was introduced during
the British Raj and now according to the railway authorities,
it is used by comparatively more people.
Kalka Shimla Toy Train runs at a speed of 25 kms per hour and
the scenery along the whole route is fantastic - flanked by
lofty snow-capped peaks and the little mountain streams gush
and sparkle in the sunlight alongside. The line clings sharply
to the sides of steep cliffs, ventures boldly over graceful
bridges which is truly an extraordinary engineering feat.
Another interesting aspect of Kalka Shimla rail track is that
the age-old communication system is still used. The telephones
used by the railway station are block phones and control phones,
the former helps to establish links between two stations while
the latter helps to keep in touch with other stations. Red and
green lanterns, which were used as signals during British period,
are still part of the operating system.
On the whole, it is not possible to define the exciting journey
from the plains to hills in words. Hence, it’s better for
you to plan a trip to the Shimla and reach the hill station
by Kalka Shimla Toy Train by boarding the train at Kalka.
Train Travel
Your journey begins at Kalka railway station at a height of
640 mts and it finally ends at Shimla, at a height of 2,060
mts. Kalka Shimla Toy Train crosses 864 bridges, 102 tunnels
and around 900 sharp curves and bends. The train starts its
interwine ascent immediately above the town of Parwanoo and
enter into the forested hills. After an hour journey, the line
straightens out, curving easily in and out of the hills, passing
small stations on the way.
Of the 18 railway station, Barog, about halfway en-route is
the most popular station. From Barog to Kandaghat, the train
runs downhill, crosses the picturesque retreats of Solan and
Saloghra. At Solan, you will see an army camp, a distillery
and a magnificent old British Church. At Kandaghat, the final
climb begins and the train passes through a lush forest of oak
and rhododendron. After Taradevi station, the train makes its
way under Prospect Hill to Jutogh, till it reaches Summer Hill.
Finally, you will get the spectacular view of Shimla as the
toy train winds its way slowly through the beautiful hills up
to the alpine meadows of the lower Himalayas.
Train Features
Kalka Shimla Toy Train has six blue- and – cream coaches
that can accommodate around 200 passengers per trip. The train
is powered by the 700 horsepower B-B type diesel engines which
run in temperatures ranging from 0oC to 45oC. The extremities
of the weather does not affect the engines, even in snow and
it runs at an average speed of 25-30 kmph.
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