Shimla-Kalka toy train service hit by hill slip, over 400 passengers rescued

On Saturday, the Shimla-Kalka toy train service experienced a disruption due to a hill slip near Bridge Number 57, situated between Koti and Ghumman stations. In response, the Northern Railway (NR) swiftly implemented safety protocols and arranged alternative transportation for the 400+ passengers onboard. The incident occurred at Km 7/16-17, a segment of the UNESCO World Heritage railway route.

To prevent further inconvenience, four incoming trains were temporarily halted at nearby stations. Train No. 52456 was diverted at Solan, Train No. 52452 at Koti, while Train Nos. 52460 and 52454 were rerouted at Dharampur Himachal. Seven vehicles, comprising five buses and two Tempo Travellers, were deployed to ferry passengers from Solan, Koti, and Dharampur Himachal to Kalka.

Approximately 391 passengers, accompanied by 40 train crew members and IRCTC staff, were successfully transported back to Kalka. Vipin Paudwal and his team of trainee ticket collectors (TTE) personally oversaw the convoy to ensure passenger safety. Upon arrival, passengers were offered food and water, with around 250 food packets and water bottles distributed by railway officials.

To maintain onward connectivity, a specially scheduled train - number 13052 - departed at 1:30 am, accommodating 120 passengers. The entire operation proceeded seamlessly, with no passenger complaints or refund requests logged at Kalka station.