Shimla, November 6
It was a rare and captivating moment as the century-old steam engine made by London’s North British Locomotive in 1903 chugged between the Shimla Railway Station and the Old Bus Stand, ferrying some special guests from Switzerland.

The KC- 520 steam engine was phased out completely when the diesel engine made its advent in 1971. The luxury of travelling in this special heritage engine was extended to officials of the Rhaetian Railway Service in Switzerland under the Idea Exchange Programme between India, Austria and Switzerland. Senior officials of the Railways accompanied the guests during the 1 km short but exhilarating ride.

The British-built steam engine ferried some special guests from Switzerland on Wednesday. Photo: Amit Kanwar

The sight of the steam engine on the abandoned portion of the track beyond the Railway Station evoked keen interest among onlookers. This was the first steam engine which ferried the high ranking British officials when the Shimla-Kalka rail line was thrown open in 1903 during the British rule. It was made by North British Locomotive in London in 1903 at a cost of Rs 30,000. The Shimla-Kalka railway line has already been bestowed with the world heritage status by UNESCO.

“It is a matter of great pride for us that we are in possession of a century-old engine which is still in running condition,” said Manu Goel, Executive Director, Railways. He said the heritage engine assumes greater significance in the fact that the Shimla-Kalka track has been granted world heritage status. The Swiss Railway officials said Switzerland had the latest technology which could be used to run these kinds of old steam engines.

The steam engine went out of track in 1971 when the diesel engines were brought in. It was finally pulled out from the backyard of the Railways in Saharanpur in 2001 and refurbished so that it could be added as a tourist attraction, especially for those who were nostalgic about the erstwhile British rule in India. It was given a new name of ‘Pawandoot’ and kept for the occasional special runs for guests.

Even though it is rare that the steam engine runs on the track from Kaithalighat to Shimla but it is an enchanting picture perfect sight as the red engine chugs along the serpentine tracks in the backdrop of the dense forests. Last year too, this engine made a single run for foreign tourists. The Railways has fixed a fare of Rs 1.08 lakh for the joy ride on the two bogeys of the engine with a sitting capacity for 25.