Kalka-Shimla Railway Line to boost tourism in HP

Shimla, Jul 8 (UNI) The selection of the 96 km long Kalka-Shimla Railway Line as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO would make Himachal Pradesh an international tourist destination, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said today.

''This rare honour would boost tourism activities in the state further as more tourists would visit the state to see the rare heritage railway line,'' he said in a release here.

The proposed dedication ceremony of the railway line would be held in November, he said.

He said the state government was committed to preserve this 0.76 meter wide heritage railway line, which runs between Kalka to Shimla and was built in 1903 having 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and 20 railway stations.

''The narrow gauge engineering marvel is a historical asset and has made Himachal Pradesh proud,'' he added.

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