Himachal Pradesh, already reeling from intense monsoon rains, is expected to see more heavy to very heavy rainfall this week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several districts of the state, known as “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods), as neighbouring Uttarakhand continues to grapple with deadly landslides and cloudbursts.
ALSO READ: What Is Cloudburst? How Extreme Rainfall Surge Leaves Trails Of Destruction Across Globe | Video
Kalka-Shimla Heritage Toy Train
The iconic Kalka-Shimla heritage toy train service, a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway and major tourist draw, was suspended on Wednesday due to relentless rains and recurring landslides in Himachal Pradesh. Scheduled trains were cancelled after landslides blocked the tracks, severely affecting connectivity between Kalka and Shimla.
Railway officials later confirmed that the line had been cleared for services following safety inspections and debris removal. However, the disruption dealt a major blow to tourism in the region, as the toy train is a key attraction for visitors heading to the state capital.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | Relentless rains and recurring landslides have severely hampered transportation and tourism in the queen of hills, Shimla.
The taxi drivers expressed concern regarding the situation, and the iconic Kalka-Shimla heritage toy train service was briefly… pic.twitter.com/rvUQ9cWDUX
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
With National Highway 5 also partially blocked at multiple points between Parwanoo and Solan, the suspension of train services compounded travel woes in the state. Tour operators, taxi drivers, and porters, already grappling with reduced income over the past month, say the ongoing road and rail disruptions are devastating their livelihoods.
Ashu, a local taxi operator near the Shimla railway station, told ANI that the heavy rains have significantly impacted business, leaving many in the tourism sector struggling to make ends meet.
“Everything has been shut since yesterday due to the rains and landslides. Roads are blocked. Taxis are parked idly. There is no business at all. We were already struggling due to unemployment. Any train suspension adds to our woes,” he said.
“It’s been more than a month of rain. Volvo buses didn’t come today. Neither did any tourists. Everything is down. We’re all sitting idle,” he added.
Himachal Weather Forecast: Yellow Alerts Issued From August 6 To 8
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Yellow Alerts for several districts in Himachal Pradesh over the next three days, warning of heavy rainfall at isolated places:
August 6: Heavy rain is very likely at isolated locations in Una, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur districts.
August 7: Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in Shimla and Sirmaur districts.
ALSO READ: Himachal Cloudburst: 413 Rescued After Flash Floods In Kinnaur, Kailash Yatra Suspended; Shimla Highway Shut
August 8: Isolated heavy rain is likely in Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts.