Shimla: With Navratri and the wider festive calendar fast approaching, Indian Railways is set to boost capacity on the historic Kalka‑Shimla route. A proposal to introduce more trains between Dharampur and Shimla has progressed to the Railway Board, and a revised timetable is awaiting final approval.
Pilot Extra Train to Be Launched First
The authorities plan to start with a single supplementary train. Should passenger loads prove sufficient, a second service may be added later in the season. This step is aimed at giving travelers more flexibility after they disembark at Dharampur and continue onward to Shimla.
Bridge Collapse Has Curtailed Regular Operations
A monsoon‑induced bridge failure near Taksal has forced the Kalka‑Shimla segment into a reduced‑service mode. At present, only a few trains run between Dharampur and Shimla, prompting many passengers from Kalka and nearby towns to shift to road transport for the final stretch.
The constrained timetable is already operating near full capacity, and the anticipated influx of Navratri pilgrims threatens to overwhelm the remaining slots.
Festive Traveller Numbers Expected to Surge
The extra trains would provide a much‑needed lift for tourists and devotees heading to Shimla for the celebrations. A large contingent from West Bengal traditionally visits the hill station during Shardiya Navratri to worship at the Kalibari Temple.
Before the bridge incident, six daily services linked Kalka and Shimla. The subsequent cut‑back has increased reliance on buses and private vehicles, making the proposed additions a critical alternative for those traveling from Dharampur.
Infrastructure Upgrades at Dharampur Station
Railway engineers are constructing a dedicated service track at Dharampur station. This addition will accommodate extra coaches and enable the new trains to be stabled locally, streamlining operations during the peak period.
According to Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Ambala Railway Division, the phased rollout of the two trains is calibrated to the festive surge and rising passenger demand. The first service will be closely monitored; only sustained demand will trigger the second train.
This incremental strategy is expected to broaden travel options for tourists, pilgrims, and daily commuters alike, easing the strain on the already busy Dharampur‑Shimla corridor.
