Why in News?
- Heavy rain and floods in Himachal Pradesh have battered the 94-km-long Kalka-Shimla railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- These are various areas or objects inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List.
- The sites are designated as having “outstanding universal value” under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This document was adopted by UNESCO in 1972 and formally took effect in 1975.
- It provides a framework for international cooperation in preserving and protecting cultural treasures and natural areas throughout the world.
- Designating World Heritage sites: There are three types of sites: cultural, natural, and mixed.
- Cultural heritage sites include hundreds of historic buildings and town sites, important archaeological sites, and works of monumental sculpture or painting.
- Natural heritage sites are restricted to those natural areas that
(1) furnish outstanding examples of Earth’s record of life or its geologic processes,
(2) provide excellent examples of ongoing ecological and biological evolutionary processes,
(3) contain natural phenomena that are rare, unique, superlative, or of outstanding beauty, or
(4) furnish habitats for rare or endangered animals or plants or are sites of exceptional biodiversity.
- Mixed heritage sites contain elements of both natural and cultural significance.
List of heritage trains in India
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The toy train is another name for this rail system. Between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, this railway runs. This train, which began operations at the end of the nineteenth century, travels over six zigzag routes and five big loops to reach higher elevations. In 1999, UNESCO designated this road as a world historic monument. One of the country’s most well-known tourist destinations. Between Shimla and Kalka, this narrow-gauge railway runs. The stunning views of the highland areas and villages along this route are well-known. The British rulers of India frequently used this train, which was built at the end of the 19th century. This railway was on the verge of being designated as a national historic landmark in 2007.
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Kalka-Shimla Railway
Between Shimla and Kalka, this narrow-gauge railway runs. The stunning views of the highland areas and villages along this route are well-known. The British rulers of India frequently used this train, which was built at the end of the 19th century.
This railway was on the verge of being designated as a national historic landmark in 2007. It was added to the coveted line of heritage mountain railways in 2008. The Babu Bhalku rail museum features exhibits and memorabilia that detail the development and history of the line.
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Matheran Hill Railway
In Maharashtra, between Neral and Matheran, this small gauge train travels. It follows the Western Ghats, which are well-known for their beauty. The heritage site for this train has yet to be added. The rail line has been in operation since 1907 and is 21 kilometres long.
In 2012, a few carriages were added to it with additional amenities such as a sofa and an LCD screen that displayed passing scenery, among other things. The train begins its journey in Neral, which is closer to Mumbai than Mumbai. Before finishing the 140-hour trek, it ascends the Matheran hill via two enormous zigzags and a massive bend.
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Nilgiri Mountain Railway
After the Darjeeling toy train, this is one of the most well-known vintage trains in the country. Since 1908, this route has run. In the country, this is the sole route with a rack railway. This train has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005, under the section of Indian mountain railways.
From Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam, this route is followed (Ooty). It takes 4.8 hours to do this trip. Every day, only one train runs in each direction. During the high summer months of April and May, however, four trains per day run in each direction. More information on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train to Ooty can be found in the Complete Guide.
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Calcutta Tramways Company
This is a tram system that runs through Kolkata, West Bengal. This is the continent’s oldest and still-operating electrical tram system. Since 1902, it has been fulfilling its mission.
This tram system was run by horses in the nineteenth century. Later on, steam locomotives were utilised. Electrical engines were widely employed at the turn of the century.
Raja bazar, Belgachhia, Gariahat, Park Circus, Khidirpur, Tollygunge, Khidirpur, and Kalighat are among the seven tram depots in Kolkata today. The most well-known and largest depots are Tollygunge and Raja bazaar.
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Conclusion
The Indian Mountain Railways, which are made up of three majestic rail routes that go through various areas of the country, provide an unrivalled train ride experience. Due to their historic significance and iconic infrastructure, these railways were named Unesco World Heritage Sites. These trains can deliver a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with their abrupt turns and steep height.
Read also:- Commission Of Railway Safety (CRS)
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