Monsoon Mayhem: Rains and Landslides Disrupt Himachal Transport and Tourism

In Himachal Pradesh, relentless rains and frequent landslides have caused significant disruptions in transport and tourism, with the renowned Kalka-Shimla heritage toy train service suspended Wednesday due to track blockages. The iconic train, central to local tourism, faced cancellations, leaving railway officials to conduct safety inspections and remove debris.

The narrow-gauge railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a beloved attraction for tourists traveling to the state capital. Along with the partial blockage of National Highway 5 at several points between Parwanoo and Solan, the suspension of the toy train service has severely hindered connectivity between Kalka and Shimla.

Local tour operators, taxi drivers, and porters, already struggling with decreased business, report that these disruptions are severely affecting their livelihoods. Ashu, a taxi operator at Shimla railway station, lamented the widespread impact on business due to regional rains, saying that the entire transportation sector is immobilized as vehicles remain unused.

Porters at the station have also expressed concern as their income heavily relies on tourists arriving by train. Long-time porter Mahmudullah shared that this season's rains are unprecedented, gravely affecting everyone's livelihood, with the tourism sector as a whole suffering considerable losses.

With expectations of continuing monsoon activity, further transport disruptions in the region seem imminent, exacerbating the plight of those dependent on tourism for their income.

(With inputs from agencies.)