Disruptions on the heritage Kalka-Shimla railway due to landslides, causing suspension of services until September 5.

The Kalka-Shimla heritage railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been temporarily halted due to a landslide caused by heavy monsoon rains. The incident occurred between Koti and Kanoh stations, burying large sections of the track under mud and debris.

The landslide has left thousands of daily commuters and tourists stranded during the peak monsoon season. The line, commissioned in 1903, spans 96 kilometers and features 102 tunnels, 988 bridges, and nearly 919 sharp curves.

Railway crews are working round the clock to clear debris from the tracks and stabilize vulnerable slopes. However, the suspension of the Kalka-Shimla railway services is expected to continue until at least September 5, 2025.

Experts warn that protecting mountain railways like the Kalka-Shimla line will require long-term structural solutions rather than ad-hoc repairs due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change. The repeated damage to the Kalka-Shimla railway line has raised questions about its long-term sustainability.

The disruption of the Kalka-Shimla line is significant because it is a vital economic and cultural lifeline, ferrying over 800,000 passengers annually. The suspension has resulted in heavy losses for local businesses, hoteliers, and transport operators.

In addition to the railway disruption, districts like Solan and Shimla have been on red alert for multiple days due to the risk of flash floods and landslides. Nearly 788 roads, including 15 national highways, remain blocked across Himachal Pradesh due to the landslides.

Sadly, at least three people have died in the Shimla district due to the ongoing landslides. Over 1,100 mm of rainfall has been recorded in Himachal Pradesh this monsoon, which is nearly 30 per cent above the seasonal average.

The Kalka-Shimla railway line, a testament to British colonial engineering, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its suspension serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change to our heritage and infrastructure.

Disruptions on the heritage Kalka-Shimla railway due to landslides, causing suspension of services until September 5.