Kalka-Shimla Toy Train: Cancellations Extended to Dec 31
Travelers planning to ride the historic Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge route will face continued disruptions for several more months. Indian Railways has officially extended the suspension of services on this UNESCO World Heritage route until December 31, 2026.
The decision, formalized by an order issued on October 18, 2026, continues the service interruption that was originally scheduled to conclude on November 30, 2026. The extension is necessary due to critical repair requirements at Bridge No. 57, located between the Taksal and Gumma railway stations.
Critical Infrastructure Damage
The extensive service interruption follows severe weather on August 29, 2026, when heavy rainfall caused a major washout of the soil beneath the tracks. This left a section of the infrastructure in a precarious state, requiring significant restoration work.
Ongoing efforts to repair Bridge No. 57, along with essential maintenance required at Bridge No. 58 and Bridge No. 62, have been hampered by the challenging mountainous terrain and recurring weather-related obstacles in the region.
Affected Train Schedules
Under the current cancellation schedule, 10 narrow-gauge trains are fully suspended. The disruption includes:
- Up Trains (Kalka to Shimla): 52457, 52451, 52459, 52455, and the Up Mix train.
- Down Trains (Shimla to Kalka): 52458, 52452, 52460, 52456, and the Down Mix train.
While the majority of services are halted, two trains will continue to operate on a limited, partial basis:
- Train No. 52453: Will operate exclusively between Dharampur and Shimla.
- Train No. 52454: Will operate exclusively between Kalka and Dharampur.
The prolonged suspension of these direct services continues to impact regional tourism, particularly during the high-demand festive season.