The Kalka-Shimla route is one of the most picturesque train journeys in the country. Indian Railways successfully tested the Vistadome train on this historic route on Tuesday. Local travel businesses and taxi drivers in Shimla are enthusiastic about the potential boost to tourism that the new train could bring.
The Vistadome train, equipped with seven coaches featuring stunning panoramic windows, offers an unparalleled opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It will not only enhance tourism but also significantly reduce travel time. Regular trains from Kalka to Shimla typically take around six hours, but the Vistadome coach has successfully slashed travel time between Kalka and Shimla by 30 minutes, consistently arriving ahead of schedule. Local taxi drivers, who have experienced a surge in clientele due to the increase in tourists, passionately support the new train and fervently call for the introduction of night trains to further attract tourists.
There are ongoing plans to enhance the train's speed to 30 km/hr, which would reduce the travel time between Kalka and Shimla to approximately 4 hours. Presently, trains on the Kalka-Shimla Heritage Line operate slower due to the need to navigate the sharp curves and steep inclines along the hills. The maximum speed of the Vistadome coach on the Kalka-Shimla route is currently restricted to address safety concerns. During the trial phase, certain stations encountered increased wait times for train crossings. Nevertheless, such delays are expected to diminish as further trials and regular operations progress.
The Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway, a marvel of engineering dating back to the mid-19th century, welcomed its first Vistadome coach in December 2018, which swiftly captured the hearts of passengers. Spanning 96 kilometres along a single track, this historic railway is renowned as one of the three Mountain Railways of India and holds the prestigious distinction of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)