In times of summer holiday, the iconic “Mix-Up-Down – toy train”, the Kalka-Shimla railway line resumed its regular services bringing back one of the most affordable and picturesque railway journeys in India.
The service resumed following the end of the holiday special service which ran between May 25 and July 15 to support tourism. The Mix-Up-Down train will run again as a passenger service.
The Mix-Up-Down train while stopping at all 18 stations between Kalka and Shimla (which includes the railway scenes) became an essential mode of transport for local residents, students, office-goers and daily commuters alike and also a tourist delight for those wishing a glimpse of the scenic mountain train.
The train leaves Kalka at 8 AM and comes to a halt at Shimla at 1:55 PM. It is departing Shimla at 5:00 PM on return leg of journey and reaches Kalka at 10:22 PM.
Being inexpensive is one of the best aspects of the service. The entire Kalka – Shimla train journey charges only Rs 50 whereas people travelling in between stations pays lesser than that.
The train, scheduled for Tapanui Platform is made up of six general class coaches and seats which are not reserved – the train runs out on the historic narrow gauge line at the lowest price.
The railway’s return is expected to boost the area’s tourism and transportation by merging the old trains with low-cost public transport, which would allow everyone to enjoy the beauty of the route.