Train Services to Remain Disrupted on Kalka-Shimla Line for 2 More Days Due to Cracks on Bridge

Shimla: Train services on Kalka-Shimla line in Himachal Pradesh will remain disrupted on Sunday and Monday following cracks on a railway bridge. Operations of at least 14 trains will remain affected due to the formation of cavities on Friday night.

The affected trains, including Shivalik Deluxe (52451/52), Himdarshan Express Vistadome (52459/60) and Himalyan Queen Express (52455/56) will only operate till Taradevi station on the heritage line.

‘Ops Suspended Between Jutogh and Summer Hill Stations’

As per the Ambala railway division, the train service has been suspended between Jutogh and Summer Hill railway stations.

In a statement, the Ambala railway division said, “Due to repair work in view of cavities formation near the bridge No. 800 at km 92/6-7 between Jutogh and Summer Hill railway stations, traffic movement on Kalka Shimla section has been suspended between Jutogh and Summer Hill.”

“Considering passenger convenience, all seven pairs of train services will be operationalised on June 23 and 24 with trains being short terminated/short originated at Tara Devi, Kandaghat, Solan and Barog stations,” it read.

According to sources, the authorities halted the train operations after some soil erosion was found near a bridge during regular patrolling. The cracks may have developed due to rains. Officials are carrying out the restoration work on a war footing in view of upcoming monsoon season.

The cavity formation comes amid peak tourist season in the Himalayas as mercury level soars in the neighbouring states and and people rush to the hill state to get relief from heat.

Last year, heavy rain caused damaged to the track which prompted authorities to cancel many trains for weeks. The 96-km long, single track Kalka-Shimla railway is listed as UNESCO World Heritage.