Here’s a piece of news for all those who have already travelled or wish to travel by the popular Kalka-Shimla Railway. The Northern Railway has started providing specially-designed coaches to travellers as per need (preferably small groups); the group may vary from 6 passengers to 22 passengers.
As per A.K.Puthia, General Manager, Northern Railway, several coaches have been introduced in Kalka-Shimla Rail so people can visit more. Infact, a special steam engine-run train in the same section from Shimla to Kaithlighat and back on charter basis, is also being made available. The best part is that both national and international tourists can book the specially-designed coaches as per their convenience and experience the dramatic views during their journey.
Tourists can book the following:
| Coach | Cost |
| Rail Motor Car — round trip for a group of eight passengers | Rs. 36,000 |
| RS-200 (Shivalik Palace) — group of nine passengers | Rs. 27,000 |
| Jharokha (plush interior and environment-friendly exterior, balconies on both sides with seating arrangements) — roundtrip for a group of eight passengers | Rs. 29,000 |
| CT-12 and CT-13 — single trip for a group of 22 passengers | Rs. 18,135 |
The five and a half hour ride takes travellers through many arch bridges, picture perfect stations such as Tara Devi, Dharampur, Kandaghat, Koti and Salogra and not to forgot 102 tunnels as well. Additionally, the availability of various luxurious options including a steam engine, Jharokha (CT-14), CT-12, CT- 13, RA-100 and RA-200 has furthered the overall experience of travellers.
As per Mr. Puthia’s statement, “Holiday begins even before a tourist reaches the destination and journey in these special coaches is indeed one to remember”
