Kalka-Shimla Railway: UNESCO raises concerns over changes to heritage structure
The UNESCO heritage team has raised objections regarding the changes in the original structure of the Kalka-Shimla railway track. These changes happened during repair work carried out after heavy rains and landslides between 2023 and 2025. A survey report from November 2025 has now been submitted to the Railway Board for clarification.
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Why did UNESCO object to the repair work?
The UNESCO team found that several damaged sections were not restored to their original heritage look. Instead of using traditional wood and stone girders, the railway used steel and iron girders for rebuilding bridges. A major example is Bridge number 800 at Summerhill, where a 20-meter iron girder was installed. Additionally, new bricks were used to build retaining walls instead of the original old bricks.
Timeline of damages and railway updates
| Date/Period | Event/Update |
|---|---|
| August 2023 | Heavy rains caused damage at 135 locations, including sections between Summerhill and Jutog |
| January 14, 2025 | Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced new Vistadome trains for the route |
| September 2025 | Landslides near Pattamod led to suspension of services until September 5 |
| January 2, 2026 | Announcement of an additional daily train on the heritage track |
| May 24, 2026 | Successful trial of Diesel Hydraulic Multiple Unit (DHMU) train sets |
| June 18, 2026 | UNESCO report released seeking explanation from the Railway Board |
What is the official response from the Railways?
Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Railway Manager of Ambala, stated that efforts are being made to maintain all sections of the Kalka-Shimla track as heritage sites. Earlier, in September 2025, experts warned that increasing extreme weather events due to climate change would require long-term structural solutions to protect the railway line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
UNESCO ने Kalka-Shimla रेलवे ट्रैक पर क्या आपत्ति जताई है?
UNESCO ने आपत्ति जताई है कि मरम्मत के दौरान पारंपरिक लकड़ी और पत्थर के बजाय स्टील और लोहे के गर्डर और नई ईंटों का इस्तेमाल किया गया, जिससे इसका मूल हेरिटेज स्वरूप बदल गया।
रेलवे ट्रैक को सबसे ज्यादा नुकसान कब हुआ था?
अगस्त 2023 में भारी बारिश और भूस्खलन के कारण 135 स्थानों पर भारी नुकसान हुआ था, जिसमें समरहिल और जुतोग स्टेशनों के बीच की लाइन बह गई थी।