Landslide disrupts Shimla-Kalka rail services, 4 trains cancelled till September 1

A landslide on the Shimla-Kalka UNESCO World Heritage railway section disrupted train operations after heavy rain washed away soil beneath a portion of the track, leaving it suspended in the air near Bridge No. 57. Northern Railway cancelled train services on the affected section as a safety precaution and evacuated more than 400 passengers and railway staff by road.The incident occurred on Saturday, August 29, near Bridge No. 57, between Koti and Ghumman stations on the Shimla-Kalka section in Himachal Pradesh.The landslide caused soil beneath the railway track to wash away, damaging the track base and leaving a portion of the track unsupported. The disruption affected train movement on the route, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage railway network and is used by tourists and passengers from across India and abroad.Northern Railway said train services on the affected section have been cancelled until September 1 in view of safety concerns and the damage caused by the landslide. FOUR TRAINS SHORT-TERMINATEDFollowing the incident, railway authorities curtailed the journeys of four incoming trains at designated stations to prevent passengers from being taken towards the affected section.Train No. 52456 was short-terminated at Solan, while Train No. 52452 was short-terminated at Koti. Train Nos. 52460 and 52454 were short-terminated at Dharampur Himachal. Officials coordinated the passenger evacuation and local arrangements.SEVEN VEHICLES USED TO EVACUATE PASSENGERSNorthern Railway deployed a dedicated road fleet of seven vehicles, comprising five full-sized buses and two Tempo Travellers, to transport passengers from Solan, Koti and Dharampur Himachal to Kalka.Around 391 passengers, along with 40 members of the train crew and IRCTC staff, were safely transported by road. Railway officials, including Vipin Paudwal and onboard travelling ticket examiner staff, escorted the convoy during the journey to ensure the safe movement of passengers.The evacuation operation was carried out through road transhipment after train services were curtailed because of the damaged track.FOOD, WATER ARRANGED AT KALKAAfter the passengers reached Kalka station, railway officials arranged refreshments and basic assistance for them. Around 250 fresh food packets and water bottles were distributed. Officials distribute food packets and water to passengers While local passengers proceeded towards their respective destinations, around 120 passengers were accommodated on Train No. 13052. The train was specially rescheduled to depart at 1.30 am to provide onward connectivity to passengers who needed to continue their journey.Railway officials said no passenger complaint or refund request was registered at Kalka station in connection with the disruption.TRACK DAMAGE AFFECTS HERITAGE RAILWAY ROUTEThe Shimla-Kalka railway line is a UNESCO World Heritage railway section and is a major tourist attraction, with toy train services operating between Kalka and Shimla.The damage caused by the heavy rain has disrupted movement on the route and could affect the travel plans of tourists and other passengers using the heritage railway service.Northern Railway said passenger safety remains its top priority and that necessary measures are being taken to ensure safe train operations during adverse weather conditions. Train services on the affected section will remain cancelled until September 1 as restoration and safety-related measures are undertaken.- EndsPublished On: Aug 31, 2026 00:00 IST