Kalka Shimla Toy Train

Overview
Of course, the pristine natural beauty of Shimla attracts tourists from all over the world, but the toy train journey between Kalka and Shimla is as important as the hill station, perhaps even more. Kalka Shimla Toy Train is an ultimate triumph of contemporary style and serendipity over speed. The line was introduced during the British Raj and now according to the railway authorities, it is used by comparatively more people.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train runs at a speed of 25 kms per hour and the scenery along the whole route is fantastic - flanked by lofty snow-capped peaks and the little mountain streams gush and sparkle in the sunlight alongside. The line clings sharply to the sides of steep cliffs, ventures boldly over graceful bridges which is truly an extraordinary engineering feat.
Another interesting aspect of Kalka Shimla rail track is that the age-old communication system is still used. The telephones used by the railway station are block phones and control phones, the former helps to establish links between two stations while the latter helps to keep in touch with other stations. Red and green lanterns, which were used as signals during British period, are still part of the operating system.

On the whole, it is not possible to define the exciting journey from the plains to hills in words. Hence, it’s better for you to plan a trip to the Shimla and reach the hill station by Kalka Shimla Toy Train by boarding the train at Kalka.

Train Travel
Your journey begins at Kalka railway station at a height of 640 mts and it finally ends at Shimla, at a height of 2,060 mts. Kalka Shimla Toy Train crosses 864 bridges, 102 tunnels and around 900 sharp curves and bends. The train starts its interwine ascent immediately above the town of Parwanoo and enter into the forested hills. After an hour journey, the line straightens out, curving easily in and out of the hills, passing small stations on the way.

Of the 18 railway station, Barog, about halfway en-route is the most popular station. From Barog to Kandaghat, the train runs downhill, crosses the picturesque retreats of Solan and Saloghra. At Solan, you will see an army camp, a distillery and a magnificent old British Church. At Kandaghat, the final climb begins and the train passes through a lush forest of oak and rhododendron. After Taradevi station, the train makes its way under Prospect Hill to Jutogh, till it reaches Summer Hill. Finally, you will get the spectacular view of Shimla as the toy train winds its way slowly through the beautiful hills up to the alpine meadows of the lower Himalayas.

Train Features
Kalka Shimla Toy Train has six blue- and – cream coaches that can accommodate around 200 passengers per trip. The train is powered by the 700 horsepower B-B type diesel engines which run in temperatures ranging from 0oC to 45oC. The extremities of the weather does not affect the engines, even in snow and it runs at an average speed of 25-30 kmph.

Train Time Table

Kalka – Shimla Shivalik Express			Train Name		Shimla – Kalka Shivalik Express
241			Train Number		242
CC			Class of Accommodation		CC
5.30	KM	D	Kalka	A	22.20
7.30 7.38	42	A D	Barog	A D	20.15 20.07
10.15	96	A	Shimla	D	17.40