The 104-year-old Kalka- Shimla railway line that passes through picturesque Shivalik ranges and yawning ravines is soon to be declared a world heritage site.
CHANDIGARH: The 104-year-old Kalka- Shimla railway line that passes through picturesque Shivalik ranges and yawning ravines is soon to be declared a world heritage site.
Robert Lee and Ian Walker of Unesco recently inspected the Kalka-Shimla railway track and visited more than 20 railway stations along the 96 km long route that was first laid in 1903.
In October, the team will submit its report, which will make the railway line, the second only after the Darjeeling toy train, to be declared a world heritage site by Unesco.
There are three basic factors which are taken into consideration before a site is accorded the world heritage status by Unesco. First, it should be more than 100 years old. Secondly, it should contribute to the welfare of people living near the tracks and thirdly, it should stand out as a heritage site.
Superintendent of Shimla railway station PS Gill said the team was shown mementos, seals, telegraph belts, rule books, jacks and oiling machines that were used on the rail route during the British period. The team also examined the steam engine and rail car during their visit.
The toy train driven by a vintage steam engine covers a distance of 96 Km in five hours. The steam engine, KC 520, especially designed and manufactured for the two and a half feet broad rail line in England was taken off operations on this track in 1967.
“Whenever it needs repairs, work is requisitioned to a specially-trained maintenance staff based in Saharanpur,” said the Shimla station master.
Kalka-based assistant mechanical engineer Rattan Lal said only two persons, Man Singh and Subhash, could drive the engine. Both of them, now retired, are called for special duty whenever the engine is to be operated, he added.
Apart from being steeped in history, the Kalka-Shimla railway line also has its own share of dark and hoary tales to tell. The tunnel at Barog, named after the engineer in charge of construction then, is said to have its walls splashed with stains of blood of it’s creator who apparently committed suicide after making a mistake in laying the alignment.
Spectacular scenery along the entire route, and the marvels of its construction, keeps the traveller on this line spellbound. On leaving Kalka, at 635 metres above sea level, the train enters the foothills of the Shivalik ranges and immediately commences its climb upward to reach
Shimla situated at a height of 2076 metres.
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