Heavy rainfall-triggered landslides once again disrupted transport in the Himalayan region after debris blocked the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla railway line, forcing Northern Railway to suspend train movement temporarily and arrange emergency transport for more than a hundred passengers.
The disruption occurred on Friday afternoon in the Kathlighat–Kano section, one of the most picturesque stretches of the historic narrow-gauge railway connecting Kalka and Shimla. Railway authorities immediately halted operations after the landslide deposited debris on the tracks, prioritizing passenger safety over maintaining the scheduled timetable.
The Shimla–Kalka Shivalik Deluxe Express (Train No. 52452), carrying 107 passengers, was caught in the affected section when officials received information about the landslide. As a precautionary measure, the train was reversed and brought back to Kathlighat railway station instead of attempting to cross the damaged stretch.
Railway officials quickly activated contingency plans to ensure passengers could continue their journey without unnecessary delays. Three buses were arranged to transport stranded travellers from Kathlighat to Kalka. According to Northern Railway, the buses departed at around 10:24 pm, carrying 97 passengers safely to Kalka, where they could board connecting trains for their onward destinations.
The remaining passengers either made alternative travel arrangements or did not require bus transportation, officials indicated.
The emergency response also affected the schedule of another important train. Northern Railway delayed the departure of the Kalka–Howrah Mail (Train No. 13052) by approximately one hour so that passengers arriving from Kathlighat could board the long-distance service without missing their connection.
Yashanjeet Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Northern Railway’s Ambala Division, confirmed the operational changes made following the incident.
“The departure of Kalka–Howrah Mail (Train No. 13052) had to be delayed by one hour to accommodate stranded passengers. The train departed at around 12:30 am on July 5,” Singh said.
The swift coordination between railway officials, station staff and transport teams helped prevent panic among passengers and ensured that the disruption remained limited despite the challenging weather conditions.
The Kalka–Shimla railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of India’s most celebrated mountain railways. Stretching nearly 96 kilometres through the Shivalik Hills, the century-old narrow-gauge line is renowned for its scenic beauty, numerous tunnels, bridges and sharp curves. Every year, thousands of tourists and daily commuters rely on the heritage railway, particularly during the peak summer and monsoon seasons.
However, the same mountainous terrain that makes the route famous also leaves it vulnerable to landslides during periods of heavy rainfall. Monsoon showers frequently loosen rocks and soil along steep slopes, increasing the risk of debris falling onto railway tracks and nearby roads. Railway authorities routinely monitor sensitive locations during the rainy season and deploy engineering teams whenever weather-related incidents are reported.
Officials said restoration work began soon after the landslide was reported. Technical teams assessed the damaged section and initiated debris removal so that train operations could resume safely. Railway engineers continue to inspect the track structure before allowing services to restart, ensuring that no hidden damage compromises passenger safety.
While the interruption caused temporary inconvenience for travellers, officials stressed that suspending operations was the safest course of action under the circumstances. Safety protocols on hill railways require immediate action whenever track obstructions or geological hazards are detected, even if it results in delays.
The latest incident also serves as a reminder of the recurring challenges faced by transport infrastructure in the Himalayan region during the monsoon. Frequent landslides not only disrupt railway services but also affect highways and local roads, making rapid emergency response and continuous monitoring essential for keeping passengers safe.
Railway authorities said they are closely monitoring weather conditions across the Kalka–Shimla route and expect normal train operations to resume once the affected section is completely cleared and certified safe for movement. Until then, passenger safety remains the highest priority as restoration teams continue their work on the historic mountain railway.