Shimla: With Navratri and the broader festive calendar fast approaching, Indian Railways is gearing up to boost capacity on the historic Kalka‑Shimla route. A proposal to introduce additional trains between Dharampur and Shimla is now under review by the Railway Board, and a revised timetable is awaiting final approval.
Trial Run of the First Supplemental Train
Initially, officials plan to launch a single extra train. Should passenger loads justify the move, a second service may be added later in the season. The aim is to give travelers more options after they alight at Dharampur and continue their journey toward Shimla.
Bridge Collapse Limits Regular Operations
A monsoon‑induced bridge failure near Taksal has forced the Kalka‑Shimla line into a reduced‑service mode. At present, only a handful of trains run the Dharampur‑Shimla stretch, compelling many passengers from Kalka and nearby towns to switch to road transport for the final leg.
The truncated schedule is already operating near full capacity, and the anticipated influx of Navratri pilgrims threatens to overwhelm the remaining slots.
Festival‑Season Crowd Expected to Surge
The added trains would be a welcome relief for tourists and devotees heading to Shimla for the celebrations. A large contingent from West Bengal traditionally visits the hill station during Shardiya Navratri to worship at the Kalibari Temple.
Before the bridge incident, six daily trains linked Kalka and Shimla. The subsequent cut‑back has increased reliance on buses and private vehicles, making the proposed additions a vital alternative for those traveling from Dharampur.
Infrastructure Upgrades at Dharampur Station
Railway engineers are laying a dedicated service track at Dharampur station. This work will accommodate extra coaches and enable the new trains to be stabled locally, streamlining operations during the peak period.
According to Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Ambala Railway Division, the phased rollout of the two trains is calibrated to match the festive surge and rising passenger demand. The first service will be closely monitored; 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, easing pressure on the already strained Dharampur‑Shimla corridor.
