CHANDIGARH: Northern Railways have announced resumption of the “Hop-on hop-off” service over Kalka-Shimla heritage section.
The facility will resume for six months on trial basis from July 1, said Ambala divisional railway manager (DRM) Gurinder Mohan Singh.
Commencement of the facility was announced twice earlier but the pandemic stalled plans.
The DRM said the hop-on, hop-off service would enable tourists visiting the world famous Kalka-Shimla heritage railway section to see all places of tourist interest on the purchase of a single ticket from any station of the Kalka-Shimla section.
He said the passenger can board any coach of any train subject to availability of seats.
The passenger can board/deboard any train from/at any station, subject to scheduled stoppage of the train at the said station.
Ticket for hop-on hop-off service shall be issued from all stations of the Kalka – Shimla Narrow gauge section.
Passengers opting for this service will not be entitled to avail other paid /value-added services on the train.
Hop-on hop-off ticket is non-transferable and no concession will be permitted on the ticket.
It will also not be a refundable ticket.
Senior divisional commercial manager, Hari Mohan said the facility will be started on trial basis from July 1.
To buy a ticket, tourists will have to submit a photocopy of any proof like voter photo identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, Passport, PAN Card issued by Income Tax department, driving licence issued by RTO, photo identity card having serial number issued by the Central/state government, student identity card with photograph issued by recognised school/college for their students; nationalised bank passbook with photograph.
Other documents that are acceptable include credit card issued by banks with laminated photograph, Unique Identification Cand- Aadhaar, m-Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar and photo identity cards having serial numbers issued by public sector undertaking of the state/Central government, district administration, municipal bodies and panchayat administration.
He clarified that passengers would have to keep their original ID proof submitted at the time of booking on demand, failing which they would be treated as ticketless passengers and charged as per extant railway rules prescribed in this regard.
He explained that the hop-on hop-off ticket is non-transferable and is not entitled to any railway concession.
Indian Railways welcomes the passengers over the Kalka-Shimla Narrow Gauge Section which is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site since 2008, listed under “Mountain Railways of India”.
This is about 118 years old Railway Section which was commissioned in the year 1903.
Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge section is a UNESCO-declared world heritage site since 2008.
It is listed under “Mountain Railways of India” and is about 118 years old.
It was commissioned in 1903.