Shimla: With Navratri and the broader festive period fast approaching, Indian Railways is gearing up to boost 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.
Pilot Extra Train to Be Launched First
The railway authority plans to introduce one additional train as a pilot. Should passenger loads justify the move, a second service may be added later in the season. This step is intended to give travelers more options after they disembark at Dharampur and continue onward to Shimla.
Bridge Collapse Has Cut Regular Services
A monsoon‑induced bridge failure near Taksal has forced the Kalka‑Shimla section into a reduced‑service mode. At present, only a handful of trains operate between Dharampur and Shimla, pushing many passengers from Kalka and nearby stations to resort to road transport for the final stretch.
The limited schedule is already running close to full capacity, and the anticipated influx of Navratri pilgrims threatens to overwhelm the remaining slots.
Festival‑time Traveller Numbers Expected to Surge
The added 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 take part in 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 proposed extra services a vital alternative for those travelling from Dharampur.
Infrastructure Work Underway at Dharampur Station
Railway engineers are constructing a 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.
Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Ambala Railway Division, explained that the phased rollout of the two trains is calibrated to match the festive surge and rising passenger demand. The first service will be monitored closely; only if demand remains strong will the second train be activated.
This incremental strategy is expected to broaden travel choices for tourists, pilgrims and daily commuters alike, relieving pressure on the already strained Dharampur‑Shimla corridor.
