Kalka-Shimla toy train route does away with 10 stations to reduce travel time

Under the new schedule, a passenger train departs from Kalka at 3.45 am, reaching Shimla at 8.55 am without stopping at Kanoh, Kathlighat, Shogi, and Tara Devi.

The decision to omit stops was influenced by factors such as ticket sales, passenger rush, distance between stops, and the length of the railway track. (Express File Image)

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In A bid to enhance efficiency and reduce travel time between Kalka and Shimla, ten railway stations out of the total 18 stoppages along the historic Kalka-Shimla railway track have been excluded. The excluded stations are Kanoh, Kathleeghat, Shogi, Taradevi, Kathlighat, Kumarhatti, Sanwara, Koti, Gumman, and Taksal. The 92km-long UNESCO-protected British-era railway track faced severe damage due to incessant rain in July and August, with over 300 sites requiring repair work. After extensive restoration, six toy trains and a Rail Motor Car (RMC) resumed operations in September.

Under the new schedule, a passenger train departs from Kalka at 3.45 am, reaching Shimla at 8.55 am without stopping at Kanoh, Kathlighat, Shogi, and Tara Devi. On the return journey, the same train leaves Shimla at 10.55 am, arriving in Kalka at 4.35 pm without stopping at Kathlighat, Kumarhatti, Sanwara, Koti, Gumman, and Taksal. Beyond serving as a tourist destination and heritage attraction, the Kalka-Shimla track is a vital transport link for locals.

Mandeep Singh Bhatia, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ambala, said, “We have rationalized the timetable to reduce the total travel time between Kalka and Shimla. The excluded stations from the first train are covered by the second train, and vice versa. The replacement of a single coach Rail Motor Car with a full 7-coach train enhances passenger convenience. This adjustment allows ample block margin for track maintenance. The decision to exclude certain stops is a trial, and we remain open to feedback and suggestions”.

The decision to omit stops was influenced by factors such as ticket sales, passenger rush, distance between stops, and the length of the railway track. The average running time between Shimla and Kalka in the down direction has been reduced from 5.17 hours to 4.51 hours. This modification is on a trial basis, and the railway authorities plan to evaluate the results before making further decisions on stoppages.

Despite the reduction in stoppages, the number of train services between Kalka and Shimla remains at six services each way, post-restoration. The rationalisation of stops aims to streamline services and facilitate faster movement along the Kalka-Shimla route.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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