Incessant monsoon downpours across various regions of India have taken a heavy toll on railway operations. Placing passenger safety above all else, the Indian Railways has implemented major service changes. As a result, four popular toy trains operating on the picturesque Kalka-Shimla route have been completely cancelled until August 5. These heritage narrow-gauge services are massive attractions for holidaymakers, and their temporary suspension comes as a disappointment to tourists. Concurrently, severe waterlogging and swollen rivers in the northeastern states have forced authorities to alter the routes of long-distance express trains.
Landslides Halt Kalka-Shimla Heritage Services
The historic narrow-gauge corridor, which holds prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status, has been battered by recurring landslides triggered by continuous rainfall. Responding to the persistent safety hazards, the Ambala railway division announced that train numbers 52451 Kalka-Shimla, 52459 Kalka-Shimla, along with their return counterparts 52452 Shimla-Kalka and 52460 Shimla-Kalka, will remain non-operational through August 5. Rail movement along this picturesque corridor has faced constant disruptions ever since a major landslide struck the Kathleeghat-Kano section on July 3.
Northeastern Rail Routes Hit Hard by Flooding
Beyond the hilly terrains, heavy rainfall and flooding have severely impacted rail tracks in the northeastern sector. A dangerous rise in the water level of the Dichow River in Assam, combined with massive waterlogging at the Silghat railway yard, prompted railway engineering experts to halt train traffic for safety reasons. Consequently, the 15904 Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express originating from Chandigarh and its return service, the 15903 Dibrugarh-Chandiagrh Express, have been diverted away from their conventional path. These services are now operating via Rani, Rangapani, and New Bongaigaon.
Adverse weather conditions have similarly impacted several other premier services, including the Rajdhani Express, Rajendra Nagar Rajdhani, Vivek Express, Kamrup Express, and Nagaland Express. Railway authorities have strongly advised all passengers to check their train status using the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) application or official helpline numbers before leaving for the railway station to avoid unexpected delays.
