Himachal: Kalka-Shimla Toy Train Partially Resumes, Tourists Thrilled as Heritage Route Reopens

September 5, 2026

Shimla: Operations on the historic UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla railway line have partially resumed, with trains now running between Dharampur and Shimla, bringing relief to tourists and local businesses after a week-long disruption caused by heavy rain and a landslide.

Toy Train Service Resumes From Dharampur

The heritage railway service had remained suspended after torrential rainfall triggered a landslide near Parwanoo in Solan district, washing away soil beneath a section of the railway track.

#WATCH | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | The Kalka-Shimla toy train service partially resumed on Thursday (3rd September), with trains operating between Dharampur and Shimla after a section of the heritage railway track near Parwanoo in Solan district remained damaged for over a week.… pic.twitter.com/IWFUXAIoXS

— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2026

While direct train services from Kalka to Shimla remain suspended as repair work continues on the damaged section, railway authorities allowed trains to operate from Dharampur to Shimla after assessing the safety of the route.

The disruption had resulted in the cancellation of six passenger train services, affecting travellers as well as businesses dependent on tourism along the route.

Tourists can currently travel by road from Kalka to Dharampur and board the toy train from there for the onward journey to Shimla.

Tourists Excited to Experience Scenic Journey

The partial reopening has brought excitement among tourists who had planned to travel on the famous heritage railway.

Travellers said the road journey to Dharampur caused some inconvenience, but convenient bus connectivity made the transition easier. For many, experiencing the toy train through the hills was a long-awaited trip.

The scenic views along the Dharampur-Shimla stretch added to the excitement, with tourists describing the journey as memorable despite the disruption caused by the damaged track.

Local Taxi Operators, Vendors Hope for Business Revival

The resumption has also brought relief to local taxi operators and vendors who had faced a loss of earnings during the closure.

Local transport operators said the railway line plays an important role in bringing tourists to the region. With the train service resuming and the peak tourist season approaching, they hope business activity will pick up.

Railway authorities are continuing repair work on the damaged section near Parwanoo and are working towards restoring direct Kalka-Shimla services before the upcoming peak tourist season.

The complete restoration of the heritage route is expected to provide a further boost to tourism and businesses dependent on visitors travelling between Kalka and Shimla.