Kalka Shimla Express

Kalka Shimla Express

Kalka Shimla Express is a convenient train from Kalka to Shimla and vice versa. The train has many official stoppages between Kalka and Shimla like Barog, Solan, Shoghi and Taradevi.

The train number of Kalka Shimla Express is 52453 and of Shimla Kalka Express is 52454. The time from Kalka is 6.00 AM and reaches Shimla at 11.05 AM. The return journey by this train from Shimla to Kalka is 6.15 PM and reaches Kalka at 11.20 PM.

Kalka Shimla Express can be easily boarded by the passengers travelling from Howrah or Delhi by the Howrah Kalka Mail. The same way, the Shimla Kalka Express is a connecting train from Shimla for the Kalka Mail from Kalka to Delhi and Howrah.

There are First Class and 2 Seater Compartments in the Kalka Shimla Express. The fare per person for the First Class is Rs.280/- and for 2 Seater is Rs.55/-. More details will be given on IRCTC website and you ca also book the train from there.

Kalka shimla toy train booking

Kalka Shimla toy train booking

Kalka Shimla Vistadome Coach

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, the train journey from Kalka to Shimla on the iconic toy train offers panoramic views that captivate the heart and soul of every traveler. Rightly named ‘Queen of Hills’, Shimla’s splendor is best witnessed through this slow-paced, serene train journey.

A World Heritage Journey

The Kalka-Shimla toy train, now recognized under UNESCO’s World Heritage list, stands tall with its global recognition, ranking fourth on the list. Throughout its journey, one is treated to a mesmerizing tapestry of pine-covered hilltops, diverse flora and fauna, and glimpses of the hill station’s rich legacy.

The Journey and its Significance

Spanning approximately 96 km, the journey from Kalka to Shimla takes about 5-6 hours. This narrow-gauge track is punctuated by 103 tunnels, with each tunnel weaving its own tale. The longest among these, the Barog tunnel, offers a thrilling 3-minute ride to its other end. Alongside tunnels, the artful humped bridges and key passenger points like Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Summer Hill, and finally Shimla, add to the charm of this unforgettable journey.

Booking Your Ride on the Kalka Shimla Toy Train

Unlike standard train bookings that open two months in advance, reservations for the Kalka Shimla toy train are available only one month prior. An exception to this is the Shivalik Deluxe train, which accepts bookings three months in advance.

Given the high influx of tourists, especially during festive seasons like Dussehra, Christmas, and New Year, it’s advisable to secure your bookings early. Fortunately, with the digital era, booking has been made seamless through online platforms like IRCTC and its affiliate websites.

Pro Tip: Ensure you select Kalka (KLK) as the source station and Simla (SML) as the destination during your booking process.

For those seeking a travel package in Himachal Pradesh, Sunrise Holidays Shimla provides assistance in booking tickets for the Kalka Shimla Toy Train, alongside offering stay options in their hotels in Shimla and Manali.

Why Opt for the Toy Train?

While the journey is longer compared to other modes of transport, the Kalka Shimla toy train offers a unique experience. The serene ride amidst lush green landscapes, dense pine and deodar forests, is an unparalleled sightseeing adventure.

Train Timetable

For the convenience of travelers, the train timetable for various trains plying between Shimla and Kalka is provided below. Choose a time slot that best suits your itinerary and enjoy a hassle-free booking experience.

Note:

  1. The transparent roof Vistadome coach is attached to Kalka Shimla Express train ( 52453/52454)
  2. Kalka Shimla Special is the newest and most expensive train on this toy train Route

Kalka to Shimla train timings / timetable

Train Number Name From Departure To Arrival
52455 Himalayan Queen Kalka 12:10 Shimla 17:20
52457 KLK SML Pass Kalka 03:30 Shimla 08:55
52459 KLK SML Special Kalka 05:10 Shimla 09:50
52451 Shivalik Deluxe Kalka 05:45 Shimla 10:35
52453 KLK SML express Kalka 06:20 Shimla 11:35
52459 Him Darshan Express Kalka 07:00 Shimla 12:55

Kalka Shimla holiday special trains run in the peak tourist season only

Train Number Name From Departure To Arrival
02451 Kalka Shimla Special Kalka 07:00 Shimla 12:10
02453 Kalka Holiday Special Kalka 12:45 Shimla 06:10

Shimla to Kalka train timings / timetable

Train Number Name From Departure To Arrival
52456 Himalayan Queen Shimla 10:40 Kalka 16:10
52458 SML KLK Pass Shimla 14:20 Kalka 20:10
52460 SML KLK Special Shimla 17:25 Kalka 22:05
52452 Shivalik Deluxe Shimla 17:50 Kalka 22:45
52454 SML KLK express Shimla 18:30 Kalka 23:30
52460 Him Darshan Express Shimla 03:50 Kalka 09:15

Shimla Kalka Holiday Special trains: these run in the peak tourist season only

Train Number Name From Departure To Arrival
02452 Kalka Shimla Spl Shimla 15:50 Kalka 21:10
02454 Kalka Holiday Spl Shimla 09:25 Kalka 15:20

Kalka Shimla toy train

Kalka Shimla Heritage Toy train | journey | route map

The Kalka-Shimla rail route, which has completed 100 years offers the charm of old-world travel amidst lofty pines and lush green, misty mountains. This is one of the four narrow gauge rail routes on hill terrain in the country, the other three being the Darjeeling , Ooty and Pathankot – Jogindernagar routes. In fact, the Darjeeling route was used as a model for the Kalka-Shimla route, which was proposed in 1891.

Started during the reign of Lord Curzon in November 1903, this rail route features in the Guinness Book of World Records for offering the steepest rise in altitude in the space of 96 kilometers. More than two-thirds of the track is curved, sometimes at angles as sharp as 48 degrees.

Laid out on a 96 km long narrow gauge track that passes through 103 tunnels and across more than 800 bridges and viaducts, it is one of the most beautiful hill railways in India. It was considered the “crown jewel” of the Indian National Railways during British times.

Flanked by hills on both sides, the rail line, like twin threads  of silver, clings to the steep cliffs and ventures boldly over bridges, built over tiny streams that show off their radiance in the sunlight. The cool breeze sweeps across your face as the train makes an arduous climb of almost 4800 feet from Kalka to Shimla in almost five hours. Click here for toy train timings and train services

The Kalka Shimla rail journey

Kalka Shimla railway: Quick facts

Train Gauge – Narrow (762mm) Longest Tunnel – Barog (1.1 Km)
Track Length – Over 96 Km Maximum Height – above 2000 m above sea level
Project Launched in – 1901 Curves – 900 (70% track is in curves)
Project Completed in – 1903 Train – After 1965, hauled by Diesel Engine
Train Service Commenced – November 9, 1903 Maximum Number of Coaches – Seven
Bridges – Over 800 Services – seven coach train and rail car
Longest Bridge – Near Dharampur (70 m) Heritage Sites – Four on last count Now in
UNESCO world Heritage List
Tunnels – 103 (1 not in service)

The rail line begins its climb almost immediately after its departure from the Kalka railway station.

The toy train chugs along the line, whistling through the deodar, pine, ficus, oak and maple woods at a speed of 22 km an hour. As the journey begins, one is taken in with the change in vegetation, and the majestic glory of the railway stations and Gothic-style bridges en route.

The most refreshing part of the journey is the experience of sitting by the window, breathing in the cool breeze and taking in the greenery, smell of fresh dew on the vegetation, the chirping of birds and the sight of cattle grazing around the track, especially if you are travelling in either of the two early morning toy trains.

Total change of altitude : From Kalka, 655 meters (2,150 ft) to Shimla of 2,076 meters (6,811 ft).

Kalka Shimla toy train route map

There are a number of station on the Kalka Shimla toy train route. The first main station is at Dharampur, at a height of 4,900 feet and at a distance of 20 miles from Kalka.  The gradient here is very steep, and in order to achieve the flatter gradients required by the Railways, the line develops into three loops at Taksal, Gumman and Dharampur.  After leaving Dharampur, the rail line gains on the road route by taking short cuts and tunnels so that up to Tara Devi, the distance by rail from Kalka is almost one-fourth mile less than the distance by road.

Twenty four miles from Kalka, the railway line is 5,200 feet above sea, where it falls to 4,900 feet at Solan, and further to 4,667 feet at Kandaghat (36-and-a half miles from Kalka), where the final ascent to Shimla starts. The rail line goes through Shoghi and from Tara Devi, the rail line goes round the Prospect Hill to Jatogh, winding in a series of curves round Summer Hill and burrows under the Inverarm Hill to emerge below the road on the south side of Inverarm, and thus reaches Shimla.

 There are over 800 bridges

Barog Railway StationOne of the most interesting features of the Kalka-Shimla route is the absence of girder bridges. There is only one 60-foot plate girder span in a pinewood near Dharampur and a steel trestle viaduct, which replaced a stone gallery in 1935. The remaining 866 bridges, representing three per cent of the line, carry the rail track over the ravines and between the hill spurs.

Multi-arched galleries like ancient Roman aqueducts have been used to take the tracks over the difficult terrain, which would otherwise have been difficult to cover. These stone masonry arched bridges, which use lime stone, have as many as four storey’s, each story having an arch and each arch having a different configuration.

103 tunnels on the Kalka Shimla train route

Most of the 102 tunnels (the 1930’s renumbering, with numbers going up to 103, has not been changed till date though tunnel number 46 does not exist any more) too have a history of their own. An interesting feature about these tunnels is that till today, whenever these tunnels have to be illuminated for maintenance, plain mirrors are used to catch the sunlight and reflect this light inside the tunnel.

New luxury trains added

Gone are the days of traveling in the rickety coaches with wooden berths. In their place stand freshly painted coaches which provide the comfort of chair cars. Another coach, Shivalik Queen, provides privacy in the form of coupes. For those looking for royal luxury, the Railways provides Shivalik Palace, a separate luxurious compartment with beautiful interiors, provision of sleepers and comfortable sofas for relaxing. This also has a well-equipped kitchen and an attendant to serve foods and drinks, along with an attached bathroom. The other option for tourists is to take the rail car which takes lesser time than regular trains to reach Shimla.

Kalka Shimla railway is now UNESCO heritage site

Hoping to save the fixture from extinction, Indian Railways and preservationist groups had appealing to UNESCO, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to give the toy train world heritage status and the same was accorded to it.

It joined other mountain railways of India – Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in West Bengal and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway near Ooty in Tamil Nadu – which already enjoy the status. Another Indian Railways site in the UNESCO’s World Heritage site list is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal (earlier known as Bombay Victoria Terminal) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. So come to Shimla by toy train and enjoy the ride.

Kalka Chandigarh train

Kalka Chandigarh train

Most of the broad gauge trains on this section like Shatabdi express, Paschim Express and Himalayan Queen originate and terminate at Kalka but some trains like Unchahar Express, Chandigarh Lucknow express, Jodhpur Chandigarh Express and Jaipur Chandigarh Garibriath express trains start and terminate at Chandigarh.

If you want to come to Kalka from Chandigarh by train there are not much options and there is no connecting train also. Travel by bus or taxi is the best option. There is taxi stand at the Chandigarh railway station itself and one can reach Kalka in less than one hour. Toy trains to Shimla Start from Kalka. On the way you can enjoy the beauty of nature.

Chandigarh Kalka Distance is 27 kilometers only and travel time is about 30 to 45 minutes.

Kalka Chandigarh train timetable

Train No. Train Name Source Departure Destination Arrival
12006 Kalka shtbdi Kalka 06:15:00 Chandigarh 06:45:00
12012 Kalka shtbdi Kalka 17:45:00 Chandigarh 18:15:00
12312 Kalka Mail Kalka 23:55:00 Chandigarh 00:25:00
14096 Himalayan queen Kalka 16:50:00 Chandigarh 17:20:00
14796 Ekta exp Kalka 16:50:00 Chandigarh 17:20:00
14887 Klk bme express Kalka 21:45:00 Chandigarh 22:15:00
22926 Paschim express Kalka 10:20:00 Chandigarh 11:05:00
54304 Klk dli passenger Kalka 07:15:00 Chandigarh 07:50:00
54532 Ambala Kalka passenger Kalka 13:05:00 Chandigarh 13:35:00

Chandigarh Kalka Train Timetable

Train No. Train Name Source Departure Destination Arrival
12005 Kalka shtbdi Chandigarh 20:45:00 Kalka 21:20:00
12011 Kalka shtbdi Chandigarh 11:13:00 Kalka 11:45:00
12311 Howrah-Delhi-KLK Mail Chandigarh 04:00:00 Kalka 04:40:00
14095 Himalayan queen Chandigarh 10:35:00 Kalka 11:10:00
14795 Ekta exp Chandigarh 10:35:00 Kalka 11:10:00
14888 Barmer klk exp Chandigarh 05:10:00 Kalka 05:50:00
22925 Pashchim exp Chandigarh 15:50:00 Kalka 16:30:00
23008 U a toofan exp Chandigarh 05:10:00 Kalka 05:50:00
54303 Dli klk pass Chandigarh 23:00:00 Kalka 23:40:00
54531 1uk shuttle Chandigarh 19:35:00 Kalka 20:20:00

Kalka to Shimla train timings

Kalka Shimla railway train timings | train types

Kalka Shimla railway toy train journey is an added attraction for tourists visiting Shimla. Economical, deluxe and premium services for travelers on the Kalka-Shimla rail section are made available by the Indian railways.  The time table is set as per further train connectivity and general tourist requirements. Special  holiday special  trains are also run during the holiday season. Visit the Indian railways website for the latest update on timings and services from there you can do the online booking.

Types of Kalka Shimla toy  trains

The Kalka Shimla trains can be divided into three categories economical, deluxe and premium. Economical are the cheapest and premium services are the costliest.

More information

Kalka Shimla railway booking | History of Kalka Shimla railway trains | Kalka Shimla toy train photos

Economical Category toy trains

Kalka Shimla Mail

This is the oldest train service available on this track. This train takes less than six hours to reach either side. There are wooden coaches attached in this train with small windows and also there are plain wooden seats with no cushions. This train stops at Shoghi also.

The Himalayan queen

This is an improved version with new coaches and this is the most popular train today. It has cushioned standard chair car seats with large windows for greater views and good ambiance. It takes a little less time than the mail train. More on Himalayan Queen

Shimla Kalka Vistadome coachKalka Shimla Express

A new modern vistadome coach having see through roof has been attached to this Kalka Shimla Express train from Jan 2019 onward. The train number is 52453 / 52454

Deluxe Category toy trains

The deluxe Rail Motor Car ( discontinued from 26th Jan 2019, Replaced with Kalka Shimla Special train)

The Deluxe Rail Motor Car is a visual delight as it resembles a bus of the Second World War vintage. Carrying 14 passengers at a time, it reaches its destination in 4.25 hrs. The car is fitted with a transparent fiber-glass roof, for a clear view of the sky. Time-cum-temperature display unit, altimeter and route indication board gives valuable information while traveling.

The Shivalik Deluxe Express

The Shivalik Deluxe Express is a connecting service to Howrah-Kalka Mail for Shimla. It accommodates 120 passengers and reaches its destination in 4.45 hrs. Only  Shivalik Deluxe train booking will be open three months before from travel date.

The coaches are equipped with wall-to-wall carpeting, wide glass windows and reversible cushioned chairs. Improved lighting and a music system creates a pleasant atmosphere. The fare for both Deluxe Rail Motor Car and Shivalik Deluxe Express is the same with a complimentary meal at the picturesque Railway Station of Barog. More information on Shivalik Deluxe

The Kalka Shimla Special

The new Kalka Shimla special toy train 52459 / 52460  has been launched by the India Railways from 26th January 2019 on trial basis. This train will run on the Rail motor car timings which has been discontinued thereafter. More information on Kalka Shimla Special toy train

This is the most expensive luxury train on the Kalka Shimla section and will have a fair of Rs 650 either side.

[pe2-image src=”https://lh4.ggpht.com/-iyM9yLhj5Eo/UcQ3i4BMRkI/AAAAAAAABuQ/OieRduG1SSk/s144-c-o/Kalka%252520Shimla%252520Train%252520Photo.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/100975793388107024396/ToyTrain#5891895284799915586″ caption=”Toy train with a new engine on on its first run” type=”image” alt=”Kalka Shimla Train Photo.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w170″ ] [pe2-image src=”https://lh6.ggpht.com/-wfRJlFL1Zu4/UcQ3jSToqLI/AAAAAAAABuY/-DJuaGZFPo0/s144-c-o/Kalka%252520shimla%252520train.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/100975793388107024396/ToyTrain#5891895291856595122″ caption=”Shimla toy train pulled by Steam engine” type=”image” alt=”Kalka shimla train.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w170″ ] [pe2-image src=”https://lh5.ggpht.com/-pfY13pVMmMY/UcQ3nXGTUvI/AAAAAAAABvI/fTqEVnxdsJQ/s144-c-o/rail%252520car.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/100975793388107024396/ToyTrain#5891895361862324978″ caption=”Rail Car at Barog railway station” type=”image” alt=”rail car.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w165″ ] [pe2-image src=”https://lh3.ggpht.com/-Od7gcTjsn60/UcQ3qBOy1WI/AAAAAAAABwA/e_B2T9OQxo4/s144-c-o/toy%252520train.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/100975793388107024396/ToyTrain#5891895407531971938″ caption=”Shimla Kalka Train” type=”image” alt=”toy train.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w165″ ]

Premium Services

Vista Dome tourist Coach

A new modern vistadome coach having see through roof has been attached to this Kalka Shimla Express train from Jan 2019 onward. The train number is 52453 / 52454. Modern Amenities include air conditioning, large windows with roller blinds, new upholstery, wooden flooring etc.

The Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach

The Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach provides a luxurious ambience for a dream holiday. It can accommodate a part of six persons and is equipped with folding cushioned bed, refrigerator, on-board-kitchen and dining table with cushioned chairs.  The fare includes complimentary accommodation of two luxurious retiring rooms at Shimla for the day and free meals en-route.

The Shivalik Queen Tourist Coach

A comparatively late entrant on the Kalka-Shimla section is the Shivalik Queen, which is a luxury coach. It is divided into two portions consisting of two coupes each. The coach is equipped with ultramodern facilities and fittings like wall-to-wall carpets, altimeter, fancy lights, chrome plated luggage rack. These coaches are attached to other trains as per requirements.

If you have any complaint or suggestion related to Kalka Shimla Railway, please contact:

Director (Tourism & Catering), Railway Board, Rail Bhawan, Raiseena Road, New Delhi – 110001

Ph. No. 011-23384922 | Fax no. 011-23383000 | Email: dctg@rb.railnet.gov.in

Kalka to Shimla train timings / timetable

Train Number Name From Departure To Arrival
52455 Himalayan Queen Kalka 12:10 Shimla 17:20
52457 KLK SML Pass Kalka 03:30 Shimla 08:55
52459 KLK SML Special Kalka 05:10 Shimla 09:50
52451 Shivalik Deluxe Kalka 05:45 Shimla 10:35
52453 KLK SML express Kalka 06:20 Shimla 11:35
52459 Him Darshan Express Kalka 07:00 Shimla 12:55

Kalka Shimla holiday special trains run in the peak tourist season only

Train Number Name From Departure To Arrival
02451 Kalka Shimla Special Kalka 07:00 Shimla 12:10
02453 Kalka Holiday Special Kalka 12:45 Shimla 06:10

Shimla to Kalka train timings / timetable

Train Number Name From Departure To Arrival
52456 Himalayan Queen Shimla 10:40 Kalka 16:10
52458 SML KLK Pass Shimla 14:20 Kalka 20:10
52460 SML KLK Special Shimla 17:25 Kalka 22:05
52452 Shivalik Deluxe Shimla 17:50 Kalka 22:45
52454 SML KLK express Shimla 18:30 Kalka 23:30
52460 Him Darshan Express Shimla 03:50 Kalka 09:15

Shimla Kalka Holiday Special trains: these run in the peak tourist season only

Train Number Name From Departure To Arrival
02452 Kalka Shimla Spl Shimla 15:50 Kalka 21:10
02454 Kalka Holiday Spl Shimla 09:25 Kalka 15:20