Ten trains running on the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla track will remain fully suspended until November 30. The suspension is needed because of major repair and restoration work near Bridge No. 57, between the Taksal and Gumma railway stations.
The problem began when heavy rainfall washed away the soil beneath the track near Bridge No. 57 on August 29. The damage left a section of the track hanging in the air, making it unsafe for trains to run.
Why the Kalka-Shimla Track Repairs Were Delayed
Repair work at the site did not move as fast as planned. Subsequent spells of rain washed away newly laid construction material and crate walls at the site. This meant crews had to redo work that had already been done.
With the rain having subsided now, restoration work has picked up pace. According to the original report, the work is likely to be completed in the next one month.
Which Trains Are Suspended on the Kalka-Shimla Route
As per an order issued by the railway authorities, the suspension covers both Up and Down trains on the route. The Up trains plying from Kalka to Shimla that are affected include numbers 52457, 52451, 52459, and 52455.
- Up trains from Kalka to Shimla suspended: 52457, 52451, 52459, 52455
- Total trains fully suspended: 10
- Suspension valid until: November 30
- Repair site: Bridge No. 57, between Taksal and Gumma stations
The Kalka-Shimla track is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which makes both the damage and the repair work significant. Any extended closure affects not just daily commuters but also the tourism that the heritage railway supports.
Our Take: A Necessary Closure, But a Costly One
To put it plainly, the railways had little choice here. When soil under a track washes away and a section is left hanging in the air, running trains would be dangerous. Suspending services until November 30 is the safe and correct decision.
In our view, the bigger concern is the delay in repairs. The fact that fresh rain washed away newly laid material and crate walls shows how fragile the site is. This is a heritage line in a hill region, and it needs stronger, weather-resistant restoration methods — not just quick fixes that the next spell of rain can undo.
For readers, the practical impact is clear. If you were planning to travel on the Kalka-Shimla route, check the train status before booking. The suspension runs until November 30, and the timeline depends on the weather holding up. The railways should keep passengers updated regularly, because this route is not just a local service — it is a world heritage experience that people plan trips around.
The good news is that work has picked up pace now that the rain has stopped. If the weather stays clear, the one-month completion estimate could hold. But given how this site has already been hit twice by rain, travellers should treat the November 30 date as the earliest possible return, not a guarantee.