All trains on the Kalka-Shimla heritage railway track have been suspended till August 6. This decision has been taken due to the impact of landslides, and the falling of trees and stones on the rail track between Solan and Kalka. However, the track from Shimla to Solan has been restored for the movement of trains. Northern Railway also has plans to run a local train between Shimla and Solan. From July 9, the operation of trains on the Kalka-Shimla Heritage Rail Track is closed. Trains could not start operating due to landslides at various places between Solan and Kalka on the railway line. The work of repairing the track for the operation of trains on the railway line is going on since July 9 and at present the track from Shimla to Solan has been declared fit for trains.

Officials said that due to heavy damage at over 100 locations between Kalka and Solan, particularly near Koti, Sonwara and in the Shivalik Hill belt, the repairs are taking more time.

Mandeep Singh Bhatia, divisional railway manager (DRM), Ambala Division, said the major damage is at Kalka due to a hill slip and its restoration is taking time.

“The damage has affected the railway apparatus at Kalka. Now, we have planned to start rail operations between Shimla and Solan for the time being. There are several constraints, like setting up rakes and availability of fuel only at Kalka. Now arrangements are being made at Shimla,” he added.