Railways in Himachal Pradesh
The railways in Himachal Pradesh offer a unique and historical glimpse into the region’s past, as well as its engineering marvels. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most notable railway lines in Himachal Pradesh:
Kalka-Shimla Railway – Narrow Gauge (96.54 KM)
The Kalka-Shimla railway line is a significant narrow-gauge track that stretches 96.54 kilometers. Inaugurated on November 9, 1903, by Lord Curzon, this line has a rich history. Solan’s wine contractor, Lala Ram Narayan, was the first official passenger, marking the beginning of an iconic journey that would reach Shimla for the first time in 1906.
Originally, the track featured 107 tunnels, which were renumbered to 103 in 1930. Today, 102 tunnels remain, as Tunnel no. 46, which was at Solan Brewery, is no longer there. The line boasts 869 bridges and 919 curves, with the longest tunnel being the Barog Tunnel at 1143 meters.
The construction of the Barog Tunnel has a tragic tale. Captain Barog, an English engineer, was unable to find the other end of the tunnel and, in his frustration, shot himself and his dog. The task was later completed by Baba Bhalku Ram of Chail, who used his supernatural powers and a stick to survey the track and find the other end. The chief engineer overseeing the construction was Mr. H.S. Harrington.
This railway was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list on July 3, 2008. It also holds a Guinness World Record for the steepest ascent in such a short distance, rising from Kalka at 640 meters above sea level to Shimla at 2130 meters.
Pathankot-Joginder Nagar Narrow Gauge (113 KM)
The construction of the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar railway line began in 1926 and it opened for traffic on April 1, 1929. This narrow-gauge line covers 113 kilometers and includes 993 bridges and only two tunnels. Notably, the Gaj Bridge over the Gaj Khud is the longest narrow-gauge bridge in India.
Built by the British for transporting raw materials to the Shanan Power House in Joginder Nagar, the Nagrota-Joginder Nagar section was closed in 1942 and reopened in 1954. This railway line is crucial for the transportation and economic development of the region.
Nangal-Una-Chararu Broad Gauge (33 KM)
The Nangal-Una railway link was opened for traffic on January 11, 1991. This 33-kilometer broad-gauge line is the only functional broad-gauge railway line in Himachal Pradesh, playing a vital role in connecting the state to the broader Indian railway network.
Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Bairi (Broad Gauge, 3 KM)
While this section is still under development, it represents the expansion of broad-gauge connectivity within Himachal Pradesh, enhancing transportation options and promoting regional development.
Historical Context of Telecommunication
The development of communication technologies also played a significant role in the region’s progress. Notable inventors like Guglielmo Marconi, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909 for his work in radio communication, Charles Wheatstone and Samuel Morse with the telegraph, Alexander Graham Bell with the telephone, and Edwin Armstrong & Lee de Forest with the radio, all contributed to the advancement of telecommunication.
Although the telegraph system was closed on July 14, 2013, these innovations laid the groundwork for modern communication systems.
National Forest Policy, 1988
The National Forest Policy of 1988 mandated that at least 66% of the geographical area in hilly states should be under forest cover. In Himachal Pradesh, 36,986 square kilometers (66.48%) of the area is classified as forest. However, the effective forest cover is much lower due to large areas being alpine meadows or above the tree line.
Himachal Pradesh’s railways and historical developments in communication and forestry policies highlight the region’s unique blend of natural beauty, engineering marvels, and rich cultural heritage. These aspects continue to shape the state’s identity and development.