Fast Facts
Project Launched In the Year : 1901
Project Completed In the Year : 1903
Duration of one way Journey : 5 hrs
Route : Kalka - Barog - Dharampore - Taksai - Gamma -
Solan - Shimla
Kalka Departure : 5.30 am
Shimla Arr : 10.15 am
Shimla Departure : 17.40 pm
Kalka Arr : 22.20 pm
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.
