Himachal rains: Portion of heritage Shimla-Kalka railway line left hanging after landslide
Himachal rains: A landslide at Summer Hill here damaged the Unesco world heritage Shimla-Kalka railway line, leaving a part of the track hanging in the air, officials said on Monday.
The concrete bridge near Summer Hill, 6 kilometres from Shimla, was entirely wrecked, and the heritage track was damaged in five or six places, with the worst affected stretch being between Shimla and Shoghi, according to station master Joginder Singh.
According to Singh, repairing the track will take at least two weeks, depending on the intensity of the rains.
Previously, on July 10, all trains were suspended on the Shimla-Kalka railway track due to landslides and tree felling, which hindered the track in many locations.
However, after the railway officials pronounced the Shimla-Solan stretch of track fit, a special train was set up on July 20.
The section from Solan to Kalka has yet to reopen since the track between Dharampur and Parwanoo, which had lately suffered extensive damage, was still being repaired.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Monday that over 50 individuals had died in the last 24 hours as a result of landslides and heavy rains in the area. He also voiced concern that over 20 people may be trapped under the debris.
CM Sukhu also stated that search and rescue efforts are underway in the region. Due to the devastating events, the state decided not to host any cultural activities for Independence Day.
"Over 50 people have lost their lives in the state in the last 24 hours. Over 20 people are still trapped, and the death toll can also increase. A search and rescue operation is underway. We have taken the decision not to organise any cultural programme on the occasion of Independence Day," the Himachal CM said.
- With inputs from agencies
