An 109-year-old British-era steam engine on Saturday once again chugged down the Kalka-Shimla heritage track with over 12 passengers, mostly foreigners on board, railway officials said here.
Considered to be an engineering marvel, locomotive KC 520, the only narrow gauge steam engine which dates back to 1905, operated to and fro between Shimla and Kathlighat, commercial inspector (railways) Amar Singh Thakur told IANS.
The one-way 22km-long journey between the two stations, located on the Shimla-Kalka rail line that figures in UNESCO World Heritage site list, takes more than one hour.
The steam engine-hauled train, being handled by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a wing of the Indian Railways, with two chartered coaches was booked for Rs.96,000, including taxes, he said.
The Indian Railways in February last year rolled out the indigenously built coal-fired steam locomotive for the first time in over six years. This was for the second time since then that it was hired.
Frank, a tourist from the US, said he had specially come here to enjoy the ride on the locomotive.
"I really enjoyed the rhythmic chiming of 'chuff-chuff-choo-choo' of the engine. I really enjoyed the ride in the cool hills coated with Himalayan cedars," he said.
Another tourist Sandy said travelling on a coal-propelled engine was really memorable.
IRCTC officials said under the plan, any company or individual can hire a steam train comprising two to three coaches with a capacity to accommodate up to 40 people between Shimla and Kathlighat at a cost of Rs.80,000 plus 20 percent service tax. Food is provided on board.
The British-era steam engine was recently repaired and restored in Amritsar.
» Read Complete News.....The Indian Railways in February last year rolled out the indigenously built coal-fired steam locomotive for the first time in over six years. This was for the second time since then that it was hired.
Frank, a tourist from the US, said he had specially come here to enjoy the ride on the locomotive.
"I really enjoyed the rhythmic chiming of 'chuff-chuff-choo-choo' of the engine. I really enjoyed the ride in the cool hills coated with Himalayan cedars," he said.
Another tourist Sandy said travelling on a coal-propelled engine was really memorable.
IRCTC officials said under the plan, any company or individual can hire a steam train comprising two to three coaches with a capacity to accommodate up to 40 people between Shimla and Kathlighat at a cost of Rs.80,000 plus 20 percent service tax. Food is provided on board.
The British-era steam engine was recently repaired and restored in Amritsar.
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