Kalka Shimla Toy Train Services Suspended Indefinitely Following Major Landslide Damage
Ten train services on the historic Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge railway have been suspended indefinitely after severe rainfall triggered a massive landslide that damaged the UNESCO World Heritage track in Himachal Pradesh. The disruption took place on Saturday, August 30, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., when heavy soil erosion beneath Bridge Number 57 left a 10 to 15-meter section of the track completely suspended in the air between Koti and Gumman stations in Solan district. Passengers and railway enthusiasts must note the following key updates regarding the cancellations and safety operations:
- Ten toy train services have been cancelled following severe track damage from heavy rainfall.
- A total of 391 passengers and 40 crew members were safely evacuated from the site.
- Northern Railway arranged seven vehicles including five buses and two tempo travellers for passenger evacuation to Kalka.
- Train cancellations remain indefinite pending a comprehensive safety assessment by railway authorities.
Details of Passenger Evacuation and Relief
Shimla Railway Station Superintendent Sanjay Gever confirmed that the service suspensions will continue until a thorough safety assessment and track restoration are completed. Railway officials were alerted to the dangerous situation by Hardeep Singh of Kalka, prompting an immediate response and rescue operation.
Northern Railway swung into action to ensure traveller safety, deploying seven vehicles including five buses and two tempo travellers to transport stranded passengers safely to Kalka. Furthermore, approximately 120 passengers were accommodated on rescheduled train number 13052, while the remaining travellers were provided with essential food and water facilities at the Kalka railway station.
Specific Train Cancellations and Weather Impact
According to an official notification issued by Northern Railway, specific schedules are impacted across multiple dates. Trains numbered 52457-58, 52453-54, and 52455-56 are cancelled until September 1, while trains numbered 52451-52 and 52459-60 will remain suspended through September 13.
The engineering team from the Ambala division along with Kalka station authorities have thoroughly inspected the damage site. However, the location remains highly vulnerable due to ongoing monsoon downpours across the region. Across Himachal Pradesh, a total of 64 roads were reported closed for traffic by Sunday evening as persistent rains continue to cause widespread landslides.