Red alert for downpour in Himachal; Shimla-Kalka rail line shut after landslides

SHIMLA:
A red alert for heavy rainfall was issued on Sunday (June 29, 2025) in 10 of Himachal Pradesh’s 12 districts, as overnight downpours triggered landslides, disrupted traffic on key highways, and forced the suspension of the historic Shimla-Kalka railway line.

The Shimla Meteorological Centre issued the highest-level warning for Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Kullu and Chamba districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall that could lead to landslides, flash floods, waterlogging, damage to vulnerable structures and severe traffic disruptions.

Shimla-Kalka rail line suspended after landslides

Among the most striking impacts of the overnight deluge was the disruption of services on the Shimla-Kalka railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its scenic narrow-gauge journey.

Railway officials said boulders and trees tumbled onto the tracks near Koti in Solan district, rendering the route unsafe for operations.

Emergency teams rushed to the site early on Sunday to begin clearing the debris. However, given the continued risk of further landslides and poor visibility, services remained suspended through the day.

Major roadblocks on NH-5 and alternative routes

The downpour also wreaked havoc on National Highway-5 (NH-5) — the vital link between Shimla and Chandigarh — with a major landslide near Koti damaging stretches of road and creating a two-to-three kilometre-long traffic jam that lasted for hours.

Solan Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaurav Singh confirmed the damage and said that despite the landslide, two-way traffic had been restored near Chakki mod, thanks to relentless clearance work by local authorities and police teams.

"We are monitoring the situation closely. Our teams are on the ground facilitating traffic and coordinating with disaster response units," SP Singh said.

Alternative routes also impacted

Authorities said the Jangeshu road, which is often used as an alternative route, also suffered blockages due to fallen debris. Efforts were on throughout Sunday to clear it and restore movement.

Officials warned that traffic from Kasauli towards Chandigarh would continue to be diverted via Jangeshu once the debris is fully cleared.

Travel advisories were issued asking residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas and to follow updates from the district administrations.

Widespread alert in 10 districts

The IMD’s red alert specifically flagged extremely heavy rainfall risk in 10 districts out of 12 in the state, underscoring the potential for:

• Landslides and mudslides in hilly terrain

• Water logging in urban and rural low-lying areas

• Damage to vulnerable houses and structures

• Disruption in road and rail connectivity

• Obstruction of essential services such as electricity and telecommunications

Officials urged residents to stay indoors, stock essentials, and remain prepared for potential power cuts or road blockages.

Warning rooted in recent history of devastation

The alert carries extra weight in Himachal Pradesh, which suffered massive monsoon damage in 2023 when repeated red alerts in July and August preceded widespread destruction.

According to official data, over 550 people died in 2023 in what was called the worst monsoon disaster in the state’s recorded history. That devastation was caused by repeated cloudbursts, landslides, bridge collapses and road washouts that crippled tourism and local economies for months.

This memory is shaping both government readiness and public anxiety as the 2025 monsoon intensifies.

Met office advice and preparedness

The Shimla Meteorological Centre has advised district administrations to maintain high alert, keep landslide-prone areas under surveillance, and ensure readiness of disaster response teams and machinery.

Officials said shelter homes and relief camps have been readied in case mass evacuations become necessary, particularly in low-lying and hillside settlements where landslides are most frequent.

Cultural and economic impact

The landslide-blocked Shimla-Kalka railway line is not just a tourist attraction but a key economic and cultural artery for Himachal Pradesh.

The route, which passes through over 100 tunnels and scenic viaducts, attracts lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists each year. Disruption of services could hurt tourism businesses still recovering from the pandemic and last year’s monsoon losses.

Local traders in Solan and Shimla also fear supply chain disruptions if landslides worsen on NH-5 and alternative routes.

Appeal for caution and cooperation

Himachal Pradesh authorities have appealed to residents, tourists, and transporters to exercise caution, avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and follow real-time advisories from the police, disaster management teams, and district collectors.

Emergency numbers have been circulated across social media and local news outlets to ensure rapid reporting of incidents and requests for help.

Conclusion

The latest red alert underscores the intensifying challenges of monsoon preparedness in a fragile Himalayan ecosystem, where climate change is making rainfall patterns more erratic and extreme events more frequent.

As authorities race to clear landslides and keep critical transport links open, the next 24–48 hours will be crucial in determining the severity of the disruption and the effectiveness of response measures.

Officials say they will continue to monitor rainfall forecasts and issue updated warnings as the situation develops.

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