The Kalka Shimla Toy Train is a historic railway line that winds its way through the picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh in India. Built in the late 19th century by the British, this narrow gauge railway is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. While there are so many sites in Shimla and around to engage tourists, we think that this toy train trumps a lot of those. The simple charm of reliving the childhood on Kalka Shimla Toy Train has immense attraction. We strongly recommend taking this ride on one side of your journey to or from Shimla.
The Kalka Shimla Toy Train has not only stood as a symbol of engineering marvel but has also played a significant role in shaping the history, culture, and economy of the region. We undertook a journey on this historic train during our Shimla Road Trip in 2024. In this article, we take you through this amazing journey into nature at a slow pace. We start by providing a quick introduction to the train and then sharing five experiences you should enjoy on the train.
Introduction and History
Conceptualizing The Railway Line
The Kalka Shimla Toy Train, also known as the Shimla Himalayan Railway, is a historic narrow-gauge railway line that runs between the towns of Kalka and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India. The construction of this iconic railway line began in 1898 and was completed in 1903 under the supervision of British engineers. The need for this railway line arose during the colonial rule of India when British Viceroys decided to make it the Summer Capital of India, because of the healthier climate linked to the altitude. It was then that the question of transport from the Himalayan foothills to the hill station.
All existing means were found to be cumbersome and risky. The colonial officials needed a reliable and efficient way to transport supplies, goods, and people to and from the hilly terrain. Thus a railway line to connect the two ends was conceptualized. Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, championed the construction of the railway line as a way to improve access to the remote hill station of Shimla.
Construction of Kalka Shimla Toy Train and Stories
The construction of the railway line began in 1898, under the supervision of the famous engineer H.S. Harington. The narrow gauge line was completed in 1903 and spanned a distance of 96 kilometers, with 864 bridges and 102 tunnels along the route. Harington was a renowned engineer who had previously worked on several railway projects in India. His expertise and dedication to the project ensured the successful completion of the railway line within a relatively short time frame. A lot of inspiration for this project was taken from the Mountain Train in Darjeeling.
Sir Michael Satow, a renowned British engineer, played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the Kalka Shimla Toy Train. The narrow gauge of the track ensured smoother travel through the challenging mountainous terrain, making the Kalka Shimla Toy Train a preferred mode of transportation for both tourists and locals.
It is believed that Baba Bhalkhu a local saint, who possessed some supernatural engineering skills, helped the British engineers in laying down this track. It is believed that the current alignment of the entire railway track traces the one marked by the saint. In fact, fables talk about the learned engineer Colonel Barog who failed on a major project of a tunnel and committed suicide. Again, Baba Bhalkhu came to the rescue and provided guidance. The town beside the tunnel and corresponding railway station has been named Barog in memory of this. In dedication to his services, the Railway has named a Museum as Baba Bhalkhu Railway Museum in Shimla.
Laurels of Kalka Shimla Toy Train
The train chugs along all the engineering marvels allowing passengers to soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Shivalik range. It was considered the “crown jewel” of the Indian National Railways during British times. UNESCO conferred Heritage status on 10th July 2008 & listed it under: “Mountain Railways of India”. “The Guinness Book of Rail Facts & Feats” records Kalka Shimla Railways as the greatest narrow gauge engineering in India. It is indeed true, that the construction of 103 tunnels (102 Existing) aggregating five miles and over 800 bridges in three years, that too in rough and hostile terrain was not an easy task.
The Kalka Shimla Railway Line has many superlatives to its credit. The world’s highest multi-arch gallery bridge at Kanoh and the world’s longest tunnel at Barog (at the time of construction) with over 1.1 kilometers of length are a testimony of the brilliant engineering skills applied to make this dream a reality.
The Train, Route, and Journey
The Locomotives of Kalka Shimla Toy Train
The engines of the Kalka Shimla Toy Train have played a crucial role in the operation of this iconic railway line. One cannot discuss the impact of the Kalka Shimla Toy Train without acknowledging its prominent feature – the iconic toy train locomotives. These engines, which are small in size and have limited power, are designed to navigate the steep gradients and sharp curves of the mountainous terrain along the route. The engines, which were originally steam-powered but have now been converted to diesel, are meticulously maintained by skilled engineers who ensure their smooth operation on the challenging mountain terrain. Despite their diminutive size, these engines are capable of pulling heavy loads up steep gradients, making them a vital lifeline for the remote communities along the route.
Its early locomotives were manufactured by Sharp, Stewart and Company. Larger locomotives were introduced, which were manufactured by the Hunslet Engine Company. Diesel and diesel-hydraulic locomotives began operation in 1955 and 1970, respectively. The first locomotives were two class-B 0-4-0STs from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. These were built as 2 ft (610 mm)-gauge engines but were converted to 2 ft 6 in (762 mm)-gauge in 1901. They were not large enough (they were sold in 1908), and were followed in 1902 by 10 slightly larger engines with a 0-4-2T wheel arrangement. Still operational, they are a testament to the enduring engineering prowess of the bygone era. The train cars, adorned with colorful artwork and intricate woodwork, provide a sense of nostalgia and evoke the charm of yesteryears.
The railway’s first diesel locomotives, class ZDM-1 manufactured by Arnold Jung Lokomotivfabrik (articulated with two prime movers), began operating in 1955; they were regauged, reclassified as NDM-1 and used on the Matheran Hill Railway during the 1970s. In the 1960s, class ZDM-2 locomotives from Maschinenbau Kiel (MaK) were introduced; they were later transferred to other lines. The KSR currently operates with class ZDM-3 diesel-hydraulic locomotives (522 kW or 700 hp, 50 km/h or 31 mph), built between 1970 and 1982 by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works with a single-cab road-switcher body.
The Route and the Stations of Kalka Shimla Toy Train
The train journey from Kalka to Shimla is a truly unforgettable experience, as passengers are treated to breathtaking views of lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and charming villages along the way. The slow pace of the train allows travelers to soak in the beauty of their surroundings and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
The track has 20 picturesque stations, 103 tunnels (102 currently active), 912 curves, 969 bridges, and a 3% slope. The route winds from a height of 656 meters (2,152 ft) at Kalka in the Himalayan Shivalik Hills foothills, past Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, Totu (Jutogh) and Summerhill, to Shimla at an altitude of 2,075 meters (6,808 ft). The difference in height between the two ends of the line is 1,419 meters (4,656 ft).
Until now, there were a total of 18 stoppages along the historic Kalka-Shimla railway journey. But now the route has excluded 10 stations to rationalize the timetable and improve the running time between Kalka and Shimla.
Trains and How to Book
There are a few different types of trains available for a journey on the Kalka Shimla Toy Train. Each has some variation in composition and ticket prices. Below are the trains running on this route.
- Himalayan Queen (52455/6) – Composed of AC Chair Car and First Class bogies it is longest longest-running train on the route.
- Shivalik Deluxe Express (52451/2) – WIth only First Class bogies, this is a luxury train service. One important difference is that it has catering facilities included in the ticket so you can enjoy snacks with the views.
- Kalka Shimla Special (04506/7) – This is a service similar to Himalayan Queen with the addition of Vistadome coaches instead of AC chair car coaches.
- Kalka Shimla Express (52453/4) – This is a more common travel option that caters to locals as well. This has a Second Sitting coach in addition to other coaches which is very economically priced (Rs 65 or US $ 0.8).
- Kalka Shimla Himdarshan Express (52459/6) – This train has Vistadom-only coaches in its composition. Vistadom coaches are a new introduction from Indian Railways that have wider windows, better seats, and glass panes on the roof for better views.
All the trains provide washrooms, however, their cleanliness depends on the occupants of the bogie. The AC coaches (also the Vistadom ones) have the room air conditioner fitted and not the regular train ones. These airconditioners only work in summer and hence if you are traveling in winter, carry enough warm clothing. Also, the windows are not sealed even on AC coaches so you would not miss the views even in these coaches.
The tickets to the toy train are available at IRCTC Portal, three months in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible if you have plans during the busy season and prime times. Also, if you end up getting a waiting list, we recommend still keeping the ticket and not losing hope as quite a few cancellations happen at the 48-hour point before the train departure.
Five Experiences on the Train
For many tourists, riding on the Kalka Shimla Toy Train is like taking a step back in time to a bygone era when travel was leisurely and unhurried. The rhythmic chugging of the train, coupled with the stunning scenery outside, creates a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find in our fast-paced world.
Immerse into the Nature
Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the hill slopes and the valleys as you embark on this slow-paced journey of ascending about 4000 feet in five hours. As the train chugs through the narrow gauge route, the greenery is simply picturesque. We recommend timing your trains, if possible, to be able to enjoy both the day and night scenery. Once the sun sets and darkness dawns, the twinkling lights of terraced houses have a wonderful view.
Enjoy the Old World Charm and Live Childhood
The Kalka Shimla toy train is a heritage and culture in itself and brings out the old-world charm in a perfect way. While the locomotives have changed, and the bogies are new, the slowness of speeds and the excitement of tourists is unchanged. Through the years, there have been instances of the tracks washing away but the Indian Railways have done a commendable job of getting the train on tracks in record times.
Disembark on Way Side Stations
The toy train’s charm is its pace where it crawls across the slopes. While there are limited stops for the tourist trains (primarily Barog, because of its size and central location), the train does stop at a couple of wayside stations for operational halts. These halts are major to allow the crossing of trains, which in itself is an interesting sight to enjoy. Given the touristy nature of the trains, one can disembark the train at these stops and the guards give enough warning before starting the train.
Enjoy snacking on the way
We recommend carrying your stock on the train. There are limited options to purchase food on the way. Apart from Shivalik Express, there is no onboard catering on any of the trains. Even on this one, the options are fixed. Even at the stations (including Barog), the options are limited. Also, you are bound to feel the snacking temptation as soon as you start the journey. Enjoying munching with the panoramic views.
Make New Friends and Enjoy Board Games
Train journeys have always been about making new friends and enjoying the small pleasures of life. All our childhood memories are filled with strangers coming together and engaging in never-ending banter for hours. This still holds true and the toy train journey is a great way to make new friends. Rishik made a new friend on this journey and enjoyed several board games throughout the trip.
Parting Thoughts
Kalka Shimla Toy Train is not just a mode of transportation but an experience that captures the essence of travel at its best. It is a reminder that sometimes it’s not just about reaching your destination but enjoying the journey along the way. The best part of the journey is reliving childhood on Kalka Shimla Toy Train as one is reminded of memories of such journeys.
Kalka Shimla Toy Train is a journey through time, connecting us to the past and promising an unforgettable experience for generations to come. The train is a symbol of heritage, nostalgia, and a window into the region’s rich history.
We were incidentally greeted with news of a trial of new technology, Hydrogen Trains on this route just today. Further, new bogies have been brought in which would provide more comfort and facilities to passengers. The news was encouraging and shows the focus on Indian Railways in preserving this national heritage. As technology advances and new trains are being brought in, it is crucial to preserve and protect this national treasure while embracing future developments that can ensure its continued success.
We look forward to taking this journey again soon once the new bogies come in. Till then let us know how you liked this article and comment if you have suggestions for improvements.
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