Hanging in the Air: Heritage Toy Train Tracks Wash Away in Himachal Rains
Service suspended on Kalka-Shimla route after soil erosion leaves tracks dangling near Bridge No. 57
The iconic Kalka-Shimla toy train—a jewel in India’s UNESCO World Heritage crown—has come to a grinding halt after relentless rains washed away the very ground beneath its tracks.
In a scene that could rival a disaster film, approximately 10 to 15 metres of track now hang precariously in mid-air near Bridge No. 57, located between Koti and Gumman stations in Solan district. The soil that once held the structure firm simply vanished in the downpour, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The damage was first spotted around 9 pm Saturday by a vigilant passerby, Hardeep Singh from Kalka, who immediately alerted railway authorities. By Sunday morning, teams from Kalka railway station and the Ambala division had rushed to the site to assess the extent of the destruction.
Tourists left stranded as heritage line faces yet another monsoon blow
The railway has been forced to cancel 10 trains on this beloved route. Six services—52457-58, 52453-54, and 52455-56—will remain off the tracks until September 1, while four others—52451-52 and 52459-60—have been suspended even longer, until September 13.
With restoration work yet to begin in earnest, officials say the suspension could stretch beyond the initial timeline. “Services will only restart once we’ve secured the affected stretch,” a railway official stated, adding that the situation remains fluid.
This isn’t the first time this monsoon season has dealt a blow to the historic line. The 96-kilometre route, which winds through 102 tunnels, crosses 800 bridges, and navigates 919 curves, has become all too familiar with landslides and erosion this year.
A scenic marvel brought to its knees
Built across unforgiving terrain, the Kalka-Shimla railway has long been a magnet for tourists seeking breathtaking Himalayan views from its slow-moving carriages. But as of Sunday evening, with 64 roads already closed across the state and rain showing no signs of letting up, both locals and visitors find themselves at the mercy of the elements once again.
For now, the tracks remain suspended—literally and figuratively—as authorities race against time and weather to bring this cherished heritage line back to life.
Over 400 Rescued as Monsoon Wreaks Havoc on Heritage Toy Train
It was meant to be a scenic journey through the misty Himalayan foothills—but for over 400 passengers aboard the Shimla-Kalka toy train, Saturday turned into an unexpected ordeal when the earth gave way beneath the tracks.
The beloved heritage service came to an abrupt halt after a sudden hill slip near Bridge Number 57, located between Koti and Ghumman stations. The incident, which occurred on the UNESCO World Heritage railway section, left passengers stranded in the middle of nowhere as railway authorities scrambled to ensure their safety.
Quick action gets passengers moving again
Within hours of the mishap, Northern Railway teams swung into action. Recognising that the tracks weren’t safe for travel, they made a quick decision: arrange road transport to evacuate everyone on board. More than 400 passengers were successfully ferried out, their journey disrupted but their safety ensured.
“We short-terminated four incoming trains at nearby stations as a precaution,” a Northern Railway official explained. Train No. 52456 was halted at Solan, No. 52452 at Koti, and Nos. 52460 and 52454 were stopped at Dharampur Himachal. From there, passengers were moved by road to their destinations—a logistical challenge that railway teams managed without any reported injuries or panic.
A heritage line at the mercy of the mountains
The Kalka-Shimla toy train, with its winding route through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges, has long been a favourite among tourists seeking postcard-perfect views of Himachal’s landscapes. But this monsoon season has tested the resilience of the century-old line like never before.
Just days earlier, a similar stretch of track near the same bridge was left hanging in mid-air after soil washed away—a stark reminder of how fragile this mountain route can be when rains lash the region relentlessly.
For the hundreds rescued on Saturday, the ride will likely be remembered not for the views, but for the swift response that turned a potential disaster into a story of relief. As one passenger reportedly remarked while being escorted to a waiting bus, “We came for adventure—but this was more than we bargained for.”
