Shimla Toy Train: Tourism Stakeholders Warn of Protests
Tourism stakeholders in Shimla warn of protests if the Kalka-Shimla toy train service is not restored soon due to massive business losses.
The Kalka-Shimla heritage toy train service remains suspended, leaving the tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh's capital in a state of severe crisis. Tourism stakeholders have now issued a stern warning, stating they will stage sit-in protests if the damaged tracks are not restored immediately.
Massive Business Losses in Shimla
The suspension, which has been in effect since the last week of August, follows significant track damage in the Solan district caused during the monsoon season. This prolonged disruption has dealt a heavy blow to the local economy, impacting taxi operators, drivers, hotel owners, travel agents, and shopkeepers.
Ritesh, the president of the Travel Agents Association in Shimla, highlighted the devastating impact on livelihoods. He noted that approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people in Shimla have been pushed toward unemployment due to the lack of rail connectivity.
"The Kalka-Shimla railway track has remained damaged for over two months. We have come to meet railway officials to request that the service be restored as soon as possible so that taxi operators, drivers, hotel associations and shopkeepers can get some relief," Ritesh said.
Upcoming Tourist Seasons at Risk
With the Bengali tourist season, the upcoming Gujarati season, and the winter carnival all approaching, stakeholders fear these peak periods will be completely ruined. The lack of income has made it difficult for many families to manage basic necessities, including room rent and school fees.
Manoj Sharma, another travel agent, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the restoration timeline. While railway officials have indicated that services might only resume around January, the industry is desperate for a much earlier solution.
Key Impacts of the Suspension:
- Livelihood Crisis: Thousands of workers, including porters and drivers, are facing a total loss of income.
- Economic Blow: Major tourist seasons, including Christmas and the New Year, are at risk of being completely missed.
- Uncertainty: There is currently no concrete information or relief on the ground for those dependent on tourism.
Memorandum Submitted to Railway Authorities
In an attempt to expedite the process, tourism stakeholders have submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) in Ambala through the Shimla railway station superintendent. They are urging the Indian Railways to speed up the repair work and are even suggesting the possibility of operating trains on a double-track arrangement at the damaged stretch to facilitate quicker service.
Stakeholders have already met with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who assured them that work would begin soon. However, if no concrete action is taken on the ground, the tourism community has threatened to escalate their agitation through sit-in protests and by writing to the Prime Minister.