Introduction of a new-Train, no. 52459/52460 as “Him Darshan Express” between Kalka-Shimla-Kalka comprising all modern First Class AC vistadome coaches for a period of one year i.e. 25.12.2019 to 24.12.2020
With a view to promote tourism and provide delightful experience to the passengers over world heritage Kalka-Shimla section, Ambala Division of Northern Railway has decided to run a special train over Kalka-Shimla section with six modern and swanky air-conditioned first class vistadome coaches for excellent panoramic view en-route to the passengers. This will be the first train over Indian Railways having all vistadome coaches to run on regular basis on the concept of Individual seat charter services through passenger reservation system (PRS) and other online modes.
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will run from Kalka station at 07.00 hrs in the morning and will reach Shimla at 12.55 hrs. In return direction train will depart from Shimla at 15.50 hrs and will reach Kalka at 21.15 hrs. Train will stop at Barog station en-route in both directions.
Train will comprise with total seven coaches i.e. six First class AC vistadome coaches and one First class coach.
Each vistadome coach will have the capacity of 15 persons to accommodate while First Class coach has the seating capacity of 14 passengers.
On the affordability front, Northern Railway strived hard to keep the fare reasonable so that more and more tourist may be benefited with such a enjoyable journey experience, therefore fare is kept as low as Rs. 630/- per passenger per single journey irrespective of age and boarding/de-boarding station of the passengers i.e. fares will be charged on end to end basis over Kalka Shimla Section. No concession will be allowed on tickets booked for vistadome coaches in this special train.
Booking for vistadome coaches will be available through Passenger Reservation system (PRS) but booking for First Class coach of this special train will only be done through manual counters available at Kalka & Shimla Stations. Bookings will be available shortly on PRS counters as well as online.
Each vistadome coach will have 15 seats in which 5 window seats at both sides and rest 5 seats will be aisle seats. Two air conditioners will also be provided in each coach for cooling in summer season. Passengers will be able to enjoy the panoramic views as these coaches are aesthetically designed having glass top roof, wider UPVC windows. Window roller blinds and Honeycomb Blinds for roof glass will also be provided to shun the heavy light coming inside the coach in hot summers. Seats will be adjustable (reversible) according to the direction of movement which will enhance the overall experience of site-seeing from inside the train. Modular type switches and sockets have been provided for LED lightings and gadgets charging. Coach has also been modernized in terms of provision of lavatory which is sufficiently equipped with western style commode with water jet, wash basin, steel dustbin, liquid soap container, toilet paper roll bracket and odour freshener container etc. click here

For the first time ever in my life, I travelled in a gauge other than Broad Gauge. My journey on the Kalka Shimla Railways is an unforgettable jewel for my eyes and my heart. This was even my first experience travelling in North India after I came into my senses. Occasionally, I'll be posting images of my journey in 52453 Kalka Shimla Express in this blog in the form of a thread (don't know for how many days will this thread continue :P). To begin with, I'm posting the train board of 52451/52452 Shivalik Deluxe Express in the next reply.
Obviously, loco pics won't be here as there's a glitch because of which loco pics can't be added through replies.
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the whole route is an engineering marvel and one of the wonders of Railfan World. It was a bliss for me to enjoy the Shivalik Range with Indian Railways (KSR)