Revamped Kalka-Shimla Toy Train Route Takes the Fast Track: 10 Stations Axed for Speedier Journeys

&NewLine;<p>November 23&comma; 2023 – In a surprising twist&comma; the iconic Kalka-Shimla toy train route has undergone a significant alteration&comma; with 10 stations removed to expedite travel time between the two destinations&period; This modification&comma; currently on a trial basis&comma; aims to streamline services and evaluate passenger feedback before making permanent decisions&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;<p>The historic Kalka-Shimla railway journey&comma; a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 92 km&comma; previously featured 18 stoppages along its picturesque route&period; The excluded stations from the new timetable include Kanoh&comma; Kathleeghat&comma; Shogi&comma; Taradevi&comma; Kathlighat&comma; Kumarhatti&comma; Sanwara&comma; Koti&comma; Gumman&comma; and Taksal&period; The revised schedule has reduced the travel time from 5&period;17 hours to 4&period;51 hours&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;<p>This strategic adjustment was prompted by the severe damage the British-era railway track endured during the incessant rain in July and August&period; Over 300 sites required repair work&comma; and after restoration efforts&comma; six toy trains and a Rail Motor Car &lpar;RMC&rpar; recommenced operations in September&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;<p>Under the trial schedule&comma; the train departs from Kalka at 3&colon;45 AM&comma; reaching Shimla at 8&colon;55 AM without stopping at certain stations&period; The return journey starts from Shimla at 10&colon;55 AM&comma; reaching Kalka at 4&colon;35 PM with specific exclusions&period; Divisional Railway Manager &lpar;DRM&rpar; Ambala&comma; Mandeep Singh Bhatia&comma; emphasized the trial nature of this decision&comma; highlighting its potential to enhance passenger convenience&comma; allow track maintenance&comma; and optimize travel time&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;<p>Factors considered in this strategic adjustment include ticket sales&comma; passenger rush&comma; distance between stops&comma; and overall track length&period; Despite the reduction in stoppages&comma; the number of train services between Kalka and Shimla remains unchanged at six services each way&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;<p>This move reflects the government&&num;8217&semi;s commitment to streamline services and facilitate swift movement between the picturesque destinations while preserving the essence of this historic rail journey&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;

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