Farmers Movement Archive

After 7 months, Kalka-Shimla train resumes with no passengers

CHANDIGARH: The popular Kalka-Shimla Himalayan Queen plied without a single passenger on the first day of its resumption after a gap of seven months on Wednesday. Three passengers had booked tickets for the train but did not turn up, according to the records. “We did not cancel the train. It departed at the scheduled time of 12.10pm,” said S S Gokul, superintendent, Kalka railway station. He said arrangements of thermal screening and sanitisers were made and all staff members wore masks. He said he was receiving queries from New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, expecting the traffic on the route to pick up again. He said the catering services have not started yet. G M Singh, railway manager, Ambala division, said he was expecting more traffic on the narrow gauge section once the farmers protest against the three farm laws ends. Railway minister Piyush Goyal had posted about the first festival special train. In a message posted on his Twitter account on Tuesday, the minister wrote, “The festival special train between Kalka and Shimla will start operations from October 21. This will enhance ease of movement and provide a big boost to the tourism and hospitality sector. Take all the necessary precautions while travelling for a safe and happy journey.” CITY CONNECTED Kalka-New Delhi ShatabdiChandigarh to Gorakhpur Chandigarh to Patna Express trains The railway board has approved the proposal of the Ambala division for conversion of passenger trains into mail or express trains for Chandigarh. As a result, the Kalka-New Delhi passenger train is now an express train

The Times of India

2020-10-22

Shimla