Monsoon Resurgence Triggers Landslides and Kalka Shimla Railway Suspension
The monsoon has reactivated strongly across Himachal Pradesh, triggering severe weather disruptions that include a critical landslide in Solan district affecting train operations. Travellers planning a mountain getaway on the historic route must note major schedule changes as railway authorities work to restore normalcy.
Late on Saturday, August 29, 2026, heavy rainfall in Parwanoo caused significant soil erosion near Bridge No. 57, located between Koti and Ghumman or Taksal stations on the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla railway line. The erosion severely compromised the track foundation, leaving a section of the rails hanging dangerously in the air. Shimla Railway Station Superintendent Sanjay Gevar confirmed the immediate cancellation of all 10 scheduled narrow-gauge trains on the Kalka-Shimla route for Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Train Short Terminations and Extended Suspensions
To manage stranded passengers, four incoming trains were short-terminated. Train No. 52456 was terminated at Solan, Train No. 52452 at Koti, and Train Nos. 52460 and 52454 at Dharampur Himachal. Furthermore, Northern Railway announced that four trains remain cancelled until September 1, with another four trains suspended until September 13, 2026. Officials from the Ambala division and Kalka station have inspected the site, stating that train operations will only resume once the affected stretch is completely stabilized and declared safe for travel.
Passenger Evacuation and Wider Impact
In a well-coordinated rescue and evacuation effort, 391 passengers and 40 railway and IRCTC staff were safely transported by road from Solan, Koti, and Dharampur Himachal to Kalka. The evacuation utilized a fleet of seven vehicles, including five buses and two Tempo Travellers. Beyond the railway network, the state is grappling with widespread infrastructure damage, featuring 64 closed roads, 225 disrupted power transformers, and nine impacted water supply schemes. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operations Centre, since the monsoon began on June 30, rain-related incidents have claimed 103 lives, with total damages estimated at ₹1,184 crore.
The Meteorological Centre Shimla has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall from Monday, August 31, through Thursday, September 3, 2026, warning of continued risks of landslides and rising water levels. Authorities strongly urge citizens and tourists to avoid non-essential travel and remain vigilant in vulnerable hilly zones until weather conditions improve.