Shimla: With Navratri and the wider festive period fast approaching, Indian Railways is gearing up to expand capacity on the historic Kalka‑Shimla route. A proposal to launch supplementary services between Dharampur and Shimla is now under review by the Railway Board, and a revised timetable is awaiting final approval.
Pilot Extra Train to Be Trialled
The first step involves introducing a single additional train on the corridor. Should passenger loads validate the need, a second service may be added later in the season. This staggered rollout is intended to give travelers more options after they reach Dharampur and continue onward to Shimla.
Bridge Collapse Limits Regular Operations
A monsoon‑induced bridge failure near Taksal has forced the Kalka‑Shimla line into a reduced‑service mode. At present, only a handful of trains operate between Dharampur and Shimla, pushing many passengers from Kalka and nearby towns to rely on road transport for the final leg.
The curtailed schedule is already near full capacity, and the anticipated Navratri influx threatens to overwhelm the remaining slots.
Festival Season Brings Surge in Travelers
The proposed extra trains would greatly benefit tourists and devotees heading to Shimla for the celebrations. A large group from West Bengal traditionally visits the hill station during Shardiya Navratri to attend rituals at the Kalibari Temple.
Before the bridge incident, six daily trains linked Kalka and Shimla. The subsequent cut‑back has heightened reliance on buses and private vehicles, making the new services a vital alternative for those traveling from Dharampur.
Station Upgrades at Dharampur
Railway engineers are laying a dedicated service track at Dharampur station. This addition will accommodate extra coaches and enable the new trains to be parked locally, streamlining operations during the peak period.
According to Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Ambala Railway Division, the phased introduction of the two trains is calibrated to match the festive surge and rising passenger numbers. The first service will be closely monitored; only if demand persists will the second train be activated.
This incremental strategy aims to broaden travel choices for tourists, pilgrims, and daily commuters alike, relieving pressure on the already strained Dharampur‑Shimla corridor.
