Kalka-Shimla section of Narrow Gauge Mountain Hill Railways of India is a recognised World Heritage Site
The Indian Ministry of Railways, in its tweet, has announced Hop-On Hop-Off Services in all the trains running in Kalka-Shimla Section with effect from 25 October 2018. The Shimla-Kalka railway section is about 115 years old, which was commissioned in the year 1903, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 8 July 2008, listed under the Mountain Railways of India which also includes The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Opened in 1881), the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (started in 1891).
The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a 96 kilometer long narrow gauge railway line which was built to provide a service to the highland town of Shimla. At the time of its construction, the Kalka-Shimla railways had the world's highest multi-arc gallery bridge and the world's longest tunnel. Today, a World Heritage Site, this is one of the popular tourist attractions in India.
According to the tweet by Indian Ministry of Railways, the fare for an adult for a day (a calendar day) is Rs. 500, and that for a child (5 years to less than 12 years of age) is Rs. 250. This is introduced to facilitate tourists, so that they only need to buy the ticket once and hop-on or hop-off from any stations along the Kalka to Shimla stretch, within the validity period of the ticket. One can also buy tickets for two or three calendar days. A ticket with a validity of two calendar days will cost Rs. 800 for adults and Rs. 400 for children; and a ticket with a validity of three calendar days will cost Rs. 1000 for adults and Rs. 500 for children.
These tickets can be bought at any station along the Kalka-Shimla section. The passenger can board any coach on any train on this section, if the seats are available. At the time of booking, the passenger should submit a photocopy of one of the i.d. proofs listed in their rules. All the rates and rules for the passengers availing this Hop-On Hop-Off facility can be seen in their tweet.
Indian Railways introduces, w.e.f 25/10/18, Hop On Hop Off Services in all trains running in Kalka-Shimla Section, a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. pic.twitter.com/WFWKOCOpmH
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 22, 2018
More information about the Himachal-Hill Railway including Kalka-Shimla can be found on the Indian Railways page.
- Himachal-Hill Railway - Indian Railways
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