150 trees axed alongside Kalka-Shimla heritage track in Himachal to ensure smooth traffic during rain, snow

The Newz Radar

SHIMLA: To safeguard the Kalka-Shimla heritage track from potential disruptions during snowfall and heavy rain, the railway department has felled 150 trees considered risky to the track.

The step is expected to prevent the recurring issue of tree collapse between Kalka and Shimla, particularly in the Solan-Shimla stretch, during winter and rainy season.

Recognising the importance of the Kalka-Shimla rail route, a vital means of transportation for thousands of tourists visiting Shimla to revel in the snowfall, the railway department identified and marked trees that posed a threat to the track due to their inclination.

These trees, susceptible to collapsing under the weight of snow and due to erosion during rain, have now been axed.

In the past, the heritage track has experienced service disruptions lasting several days due to fallen trees during winter, causing inconvenience to both tourists and locals alike. With the recent preventive measure, the railway department aims to mitigate such disruptions, allowing tourists to continue enjoying the picturesque journey to Shimla by rail.

Shimla, known for its heavy snowfall and rain in winter, often faces traffic halts in the city for two to three days. During these periods, the closure of buses makes the train an essential and sometimes the only means of transportation for people coming from Tutu, Jatogh, Taradevi, Shoghi and other areas.