Kalka – Shimla Toy Train Services

July 22, 2024

KALKA – SHIMLA TOY TRAIN

Kalka-Shimla toy train in Himachal Pradesh is a popular way of reaching Shimla, which is a famous tourist place. It’s under Northern Railway’s Ambala Division. The railway was completed in 1903 and provides one of the most picturesque train journeys in India. It runs for 96 kilometres (60 miles) through 20 railway stations, 103 tunnels, 800 bridges, and an incredible 900 curves. On 8 July 2008, ✅ UNESCO added the Kalka–Shimla railway to the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site. With the passage of time, the train journey between Kalka – Shimla has become more convenient. Luxurious coaches and trains have been introduced in making KLk-SML rail journey more memorable.

Kalka – Shimla Railway ~ How to Reach

By Air
- Jubarhati, which is about 23 kilometres from the town, is the nearest airport. There are regular flights going from Jubbarhatti to Chandigarh and Delhi. Passenger can easily get a taxi from the airport to get to Shimla or you can ask your hotel to arrange for an airport transfer.
By Bus
- There are several bus services including Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses as well as private operators connecting Shimla to the major cities in North India. Chandigarh is at a distance of 117 kilometres, Manali at 260 kilometres and Delhi at 343 kilometres. If you are going from Delhi, you can take an overnight air conditioned luxury bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses go in the morning or later at night – timings can vary from season to season, you can check them online before making a reservation.
By Train
- The small railway station in Shimla is just 1 kilometre away from the centre of the town and is connected to Kalka by a narrow gauge rail track. The famous toy train of Shimla goes between Kalka and Shimla, covering a distance of 96 kilometres in about 7 hours. Kalka in turn is the nearest rail head, which is connected to Chandigarh and Delhi by regular trains. You can take the Kalka Shatabdi, which goes from New Delhi Railway Station to Kalka Railway Station via Chandigarh.
By Road
- If you are driving from Delhi, you will have to take the outer Ring Road towards GT Karnal Road, then turn right on NH 1. After you reach Ambala, leave NH 1 and move on to NH 22 towards Kalka. Keep going on same highway towards Solan and then on to Shimla. The journey usually takes about 6-7 hours depending on traffic.

Kalka – Shimla Trains ~ Services Updates

Kalka – Shimla Festival Special Trains started: The festival special train between Kalka and Shimla started operations from 21st October 2020 after seven months. This will enhance ease of movement and provide a big boost to the tourism and hospitality sector.

Charter Train Booking

Come Summer or Winter rush to Shimla to beat the heat or to catch the snow covered mountains. The five and half hour journey on a Narrow gauge (2.6 feet)from Kalka to Shimla takes one through 102 tunnels and many arch bridges and several picturesque stations like Koti, Dharampur, Barog, Salogra, Kandaghat, and Tara Devi etc.

Travelling by rail in this section has added attraction due to availability of various luxurious options such as special coaches RA-100, RA-200, Jharokha, CT-12 &13 and Steam special.

Self propelled RA-100 : It is Air Condition coach equipped with modular kitchen, attendant and crockery to feel like at home on wheels. : Capacity – 08 Passengers
RA-200 (SHIVALIK EXPRESS) : Capacity – 09 Passengers :
CT-14 (JHAROKHA) : It is Air Condition coach with plush interiors and environment friendly exteriors balconies on the both sides with seating arrangement is unique experience. Capacity – 08 Passengers
CT-12 & 13 (COMPOSITE COACH) : Suitable for big groups. First twin Narrow gauge vestibule coaches with extra large windows. : Capacity – 22 Passengers

Kalka - Shimla Festival Special Trains — **Kalka – Shimla Festival Special Trains**

Hop-on-Hop-off Services

Hop-on-Hop-off services was introduced on Kalka – Shimla section from 25.10.2018 for convenience of rail passengers espically Tourist passengers. This facilitates tourists to board/de-board any station on the section on a single ticket.
- Rules of Hop-on Hop-off ticket holder during journey over Kalka-Shimla Narrow Gauge Railway Section :
  - A passenger can board any coach of any train subjected to availability of seats.
  - The passenger can board/deboard any train from /at any station subject to scheduled stoppage of train at the said station.
  - The passenger is not entitled to avail other paid /value added services in the train.
  - The fare structure & validity period of ticket for Hop-on Hop-off Services shall be as under:
  - At the same time of booking the passenger shall submit a photocopy of any of 10 ID proofs as listed below :
  - The original ID proof, copy of which is submitted at the time of booking, to be produced by the passenger and on demand, failing will be treated as without ticket passenger and shall be charged as per extant Railway rules prescribed in this regard.
  - The Hop-on Hop-off ticket in non transferable.
  - No refund of fare is permitted on Hop-on Hop-off ticket in any case.
  - No concession in fare is allowed on Hop-on Hop-off ticket.

Steam Charter special

Steam Charter special from Shimla-kathleeghat and back , hauled by Steam Locomotive.
- Rates, GST and Other Terms & Conditions as per policy
- No catering to be provided.
- Special coaches not to be used for stay purpose at the stations.
- For bookings:
  - Fax No. : 0171-2610596
  - Email : Pamcell.umb@gmail.com
- For any enquiry, Contact to:
  - Commercial Branch : 0171-2611160
  - Commercial Control : 9729539980
  - Commercial Inspector,Shimla : 9805039972

Joy – ride Train service

Joy – ride Train service was introduced between Shimla – Shoghi -Shimla as tourist attraction for the holiday season between Jan – February 2017.

Vistadome Coaches

Introduction of Vistadome Coaches:- To enhance the tourist appeal on this scenic railway section, Northern Railway will be introducing the see-through Vistadome Coach (Glass Dome). This Coach with seating capacity of 36 having glass roof, modified windows and air conditioning system will comprise of designer LED lights, window blinds and cushioned wooden interiors. This special and aesthetically – designed Vistadome AC coach CT-15 also known as Nihaar, is a firs-of-its-kind in this Kalka – Shimla Railway section.

Following are the details of Kalka – Shimla Toy Train Services.

Shri @mlkhattar,Hon'ble CM,Haryana & Shri @SureshAngadi_ ,Hon'ble MoSR released a coffee tablebook on Kalka Shimla Railway at Exhibition cum Rail Mela organised in Ambala. pic.twitter.com/qzKH78DkmI
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) July 21, 2019

Kalka – Shimla Toy Train : Specials/ Holiday Special/ Daily Train Details

Extension of periodicity of Kalka-Shimla Express Special train

Northern Railway announced that Kalka-Shimla Express Special train timing extended, details are attached.

Kalka – Shimla Toy Trains Daily

New Him Darshan Express with Vistadome Coaches From Kalka

Indian Railways on 25.12.2019 unveiled Him Darshan Express with Vistadome coaches from Kalka railway station to Shimla. This special train will commute between the Kalka and Shimla station for the next year till December 24, 2020.

Commuters travelling in Him Darshan Express will enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the Himalayas as the train will have swanky Vistadome AC coaches with glass roof. Modified in carriage and wagon depot at Kalka, this is a first-of-its-kind train on the Kalka-Shimla route. Him Darshan Express will be the first-ever train with Vistadome coaches by the Indian Railways that will run on a regular basis.

Main Features

The train will have seven coaches including one first-class sitting cum luggage room coach (FCZLR) and six first class AC Vistadom coaches.
With the new modern design, the Vistadome coaches will feature top modified windows and air conditioning system.
The train is having modern windows and LED bulbs.
Along with the new window blinds, there will be cushioned wooden interiors for a comfortable journey.
Each Vistadome coach will have a seating capacity of 15 persons, including five window seats on both sides.
The first-class coach can accommodate 14 passengers.
The train will follow the concept of individual seat charter services via Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and various other online modes.

Timing Details

It will take ✅ 5 hours 25 minutes to complete one-way journey.
Him Darshan Express will start its journey from Kalka station at ✅ 7 am, the train will reach Shimla at ✅ 12.55 pm.
While returning, the train will leave Shimla at ✅ 3.50 pm and reach Kalka at ✅ 9.15 pm.

Fare Details

Customers will have to pay ✅ ₹630 to travel from Kalka to Shimla in Him Darshan Express with Vistadome coaches.

The Him Darshan Exp Special Tourist train runs with six modern & swanky first class AC Vistadome coaches (Glass Roof Top) for excellent panoramic view.

On its maiden journey Him Darshan Exp registered 100% occupancy as total 90 passengers boarded it from Kalka rly stn. pic.twitter.com/wBXNOtaTi3
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) December 25, 2019

Other Daily Trains between Kalka to Shimla

Kalka to Shimla toy daily trains numbers and timings are following

Train No.52457 – KLK SML Passenger – Departed at 4:00 AM and arrive at 9:20 AM
Train No.72451 – Rail Motor Car – Departed at 05:10 AM and arrive at 9:50 AM
Train No.52451 – Shivalik Deluxe Express Super Fast Express – Departed at 5:30 AM and arrive at 10:15 AM
Train No.52453 – Kalka Shimla Mail I, II – Departed at 6:00 AM and arrive at 11:05 AM
Train No.52441 – Holiday Special – I – Departed at 07:00 AM and arrive at 12:10 PM
Train No.52455 – Kalka – Shimla Express/Himalayan Queen – Departed at 12:10 PM and arrive at 5:20 PM
Train No.52433 – Holiday Special – II – Departed at 12:45 PM and arrive at 06:10 PM

Shimla to Kalka toy daily train numbers and timings are following

Train No.52444 – Shimla – Kalka Express/Himalayan Queen – Departed at 09:25 AM and arrive at 03:20 PM
Train No.52456 – Holiday Special – Departed at 10:35 AM and arrive at 4:10 PM
Train No.52458 – Shimla – Kalka Express – I,II – Departed at 02:25 PM and arrive at 8:10 PM
Train No.52442 – Holiday Special – Departed at 03:50 PM and arrive at 09:10 PM
Train No.72452 – Rail Motor Car – Departed at 04:25 PM and arrive at 09:35 PM
Train No.52452 – Shivalik Deluxe Super fast Express – Departed at 5:40 PM and arrive at 10:25 PM
Train No.52454 – Shimla – Kalka Mail I, II – Departed at 06:15 PM and arrive at 11:20 PM

Holiday Special Trains

During Popular Times :- Holiday Specials run during the seasons, from May 1 July 15, September 15 to October 30 and December 15 to January 15. The Rail Motor Car connects the New – Chandigarh – Kalka Himalayan Queen Express.
The Shatabdi – type Shivalik Deluxe Express provides connection to the Howrah – Delhi – Kalka Mail. Breakfast on the outward journey and dinner on the return are provided as complimentarily.

The following are the holiday special trains

Train No.253 – Depart Kalka at 6:00 and arrive Shimla at 11:05
Train No.258 – Depart Shimla at 9:25 and Arrive Kalka at 15:15
Train No.257 – Depart Kalka at 12:30 and arrive Shimla at 18:35
Train No.254 – Depart Shimla at 15:50 and arrive Kalka at 21:05

N.R.has introduced chartering of individual seat in Jharoka, RA-100 Self Propelled Train Coach & Rail Motor Car from 13.06.19 to 10.09.19. Now passengers can buy tickets on chartered seat basis on these services plying on breathtaking Kalka-Shimla Heritage Hill Rail Section. pic.twitter.com/AI3YI3ECVm
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 15, 2019

Special Trains /Joy Ride on Kalka-Shimla Section from 20.04.2018

Northern Railway announced that Railway has decided to run the Joy Ride train Nos.52448/52447 between Shimla – Shoghi – Shimla and Latest Special trains List 2020 Nos. 52443/52444 and 52445/52446 between Kalka – Shimla – Kalka from 20.04.2018 as per the following programme. Train Nos.52448/52447 Shimla – Shoghi – Shimla Joy Ride Train

Train No.52448 Shimla – Shoghi Joy Ride Train will depart from Shimla at 12.45 pm to arrive at Shoghiat 01.50 pm. the same day.
Train No.52447 Shoghi – Shimla Joy Ride Train will depart from Shoghi at 02.20 pm to reach Shimla at 03.30 pm the same day. The Joy Ride train will run from 20.04.2018 in both the directions.

Train Nos.52443/52444 Kalka – Shimla – Kalka Special Train

Train No.52443 Kalka – Shimla Special train will depart from Kalka at 12.45 pm to arrive at Shimla at 06.25 pm the same day.
Train No.52444 Shimla – Kalka special train will depart from Shimla at 09.25 am to reach Kalka at 03.20 pm the same day.

Train Nos.52445/52446 Kalka – Shimla – Kalka Special Train

Train No.52445 Kalka – Shimla Special train will depart from Kalkaat 07.00 am to arrive at Shimla at 12.15 pm the same day.
Train No.52446 Shimla – Kalka Special train will depart from Shimla at 03.50 pm to reach Kalka at 09.15 pm the same day.

Note: Due to operational reasons, Train Nos.52441/52442 Holiday Special train will not run. Joy Ride Train Nos. 52448/52447 will run on regular basis.

Details of Luxury Trains in Kalka – Shimla route are following :- Coaches and Special Trains

Kalka – Shimla Toy Train : Retiring Room

All the major stations en route Kalka – Shimla Railway, viz, Kalka, Dharampur Himachal, Barog, Solan, Kandaghat, Summer Hill and Shimla have retiring rooms and dormitories which can be booked on a first come first serve basis on payment of prescribed charges. Only those holding a valid ticket for an inward/outward journey are eligible to apply for the use of the Retiring rooms and Dormitory Beds. The booking can be directly done with the respective station Masters.

Kalka – Shimla Toy Train : Timetable

Kalka – Shimla Toy Train New Train Time Table 2021 details are following :-

KALKA to SHIMLA
Sr No.	Train No.	Train Name	From	Dep Time	To	Arr. Time	Remark
1	52457	KLK SML PASS	KLK	4.00 hrs	SML	9.20 hrs
2	72451	RAIL MOTOR	KLK	5.10 hrs	SML	9.50 hrs
3	52451	SHIVALK DLX EXP	KLK	5.30 hrs	SML	10.15 hrs
4	52453	KALKA SIMLA EXP	KLK	6.00 hrs	SML	11.05 hrs	Run in Peak Season only
5	52455	HIMALYAN QUEEN	KLK	12.10 hrs	SML	17.20 hrs
6	52441	Holiday Special	KLK	7.00 hrs	SML	12.10 hrs
7	52443	Holiday Special	KLK	12.45 hrs	SML	18.10 hrs
SHIMLA to KALKA
Sr No.	Train No.	Train Name	From	Dep Time	To	Arr. Time	Remark
1	52456	HIMALYAN QUEEN	SML	10.35 hrs	KLK	16.10 hrs
2	52458	SML KLK PASS	SML	14.25 hrs	KLK	20.10 hrs
3	72452	RAIL MOTOR	SML	16.25 hrs	KLK	21.35 hrs
4	52452	SHIVALK DLX EXP	SML	17.40 hrs	KLK	22.25 hrs	Run in Peak Season only
5	52454	SML KLK PASS	SML	18.15 hrs	KLK	23.20 hrs
6	52442	Holiday Special	SML	15.50 hrs	KLK	21.10 hrs
7	52444	Holiday Special	SML	9.25 hrs	KLK	15.20 hrs

Kalka – Shimla Toy Train : How to book

Kalka Shimla toy train bookings open only one month in advance, not like other trains which open two months in advance. Bookings have to be done in advance especially in summer and winter, as large numbers of tourists are pouring in. During Dussehra holidays, Christmas Eve, and New Year, there is so much rush, it’s better to book your ticket early. The service is available seven days a week. Toy train advance bookings can be done anywhere in India via online through Indian Railways official ticket booking website IRCTC.