Shimla: With Navratri and the wider festive window fast approaching, Indian Railways is gearing up to expand capacity on the historic Kalka‑Shimla route. A proposal to run supplementary trains between Dharampur and Shimla is now under review by the Railway Board, and a revised timetable is awaiting final approval.
Initial Extra Service to Be Piloted
Authorities plan to launch a single additional train as a trial. Should passenger loads prove sufficient, a second train may be added later in the season. The objective is to give travelers more options after they reach Dharampur and continue onward to Shimla.
Bridge Collapse Has Cut 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 operate between Dharampur and Shimla, prompting many commuters from Kalka and nearby towns to switch to road transport for the final leg.
The truncated schedule is already running at near‑full capacity, and the expected influx of Navratri pilgrims threatens to overwhelm the remaining slots.
Festive Traveller Numbers Set to Spike
The proposed extra trains would greatly benefit tourists and devotees heading to Shimla for the celebrations. A sizeable group from West Bengal traditionally visits the hill station during Shardiya Navratri to worship 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 crucial alternative for those travelling from Dharampur.
Station Upgrades at Dharampur Underway
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 rollout of the two trains is calibrated to match the festive rush and rising passenger demand. The first service will be closely monitored; only if demand stays robust will the second train be activated.
This incremental strategy is expected to broaden travel options for tourists, pilgrims and daily commuters alike, easing pressure on the already strained Dharampur‑Shimla corridor.
