Tourists can now book special coaches on heritage Kalka-Shimla train

Banking on popularity of Kalka-Shimla Railway, the Northern Railway has started providing specially-designed coaches to small groups of travellers as per need. These specially-designed coaches cater to demand of travellers from a small group of six persons to 22 persons.

The Northern Railway said that tourists, both national and international, can book these coaches as per their need to experience a scenic journey from Kalka to Shimla or vice-versa.

According to Northern Railway general manager A.K. Puthia, a number of new coaches have been introduced in this section (Kalka-Shimla Rail) to encourage tourism and a special steam engine-run train is also being made available in this section from Shimla to Kaithlighat in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and back on charter basis.

According to the senior railway official, the five-and-a-half-hour journey on the narrow gauge line from Kalka to Shimla takes passengers through 102 tunnels, many arch bridges and several picturesque stations like Koti, Dharam Pur, Barog, Salogra, Kandaghat, Tara Devi and others. “Travelling by rail on this section has added attraction due to availability of various luxurious options such as special coaches RA-100, RA-200, Jharokha, CT-12 and 13 and a steam engine special,” added Mr Puthia.

Tourists can book self-propelled Rs-100, a rail motor car, for Rs 36,000 for a round trip for a group of eight passengers. Similarly, RS-200 (Shivalik Palace), an air-conditioned coach equipped with modular kitchen, an attendant and crockery to feel at home on wheels for a small group of nine passengers is available for Rs 27,000.

Newly-commissioned Jharokha (CT-14), with plush interior and environment-friendly exterior, balconies on both sides with seating arrangements has been designed to provide an unique experience throughout the picturesque journey. Jharokha having capacity of eight passengers costs Rs 29,000 for a round trip.

For a bigger group of tourists, the Northern Railway provides composite coaches CT 12 and 13, which can accommodate 22 passengers, and cost Rs 18,135 for a single trip.

“Holiday begins even before a tourist reaches the destination and journey in these special coaches is indeed one to remember,” said Mr Puthia.