Steam engine chugs on Shimla-Kalka rail track

Bhanu P Lohumi
Tribune News Service
Shimla, October 17

It was an unusual morning at the Shimla railway station on Wednesday. The 113-year-old history was revived in the Queen of Hills as the heritage KC 520 steam locomotive engine ran on the Shimla-Kalka heritage track.

The engine, attached with two coaches, took 28 foreigners from Shimla till Kaithlighat and returned, covering 44 km. Not only the foreigners, but locals too were excited about the run. The heritage engine KC520, built by North British Locomotive Company for Rs 30,000, was commissioned in 1906 and was used to drive trains till 1970 before it was replaced by diesel engines.

The steam engine was taken out of service in 1971 and repaired and rehabilitated in 2001. Since then, the engine has been used for joyrides, but it comes on the track on a few occasions. The engine weighs 41 tonnes and can pull double its weight.

The foreigners booked the train from Shimla to Kaithlighat. Station master Prince Sethi said arrangements were made for 28 passengers in two coaches.“It is a proud and different feeling to drive the steam engine,” said driver Rajender. The engine has been the centre of attraction for ages, with many stories and documentaries having been made on it. Kyoboss, a passenger, said steam engines were running in England and Canada but the feel of Shimla-Kalka heritage track was unmatched.

The British laid the first rail link to connect Shimla in 1903. In 2009, the Kalka-Shimla rail track was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. There are 103 tunnels on the rail line, besides 800 bridges, 919 curves and 18 railway stations.