Shimla toy train inscribed in world heritage list
	15:22 IST

Lok Sabha Ministry of Railways submitted an application to UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) in January’ 2005, for the inscription of the Kilka-Shimla Railway (KSR), as a World Heritage Site, serial to “Mountain Railways of India” that includes Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Since UNESCO considered only one site per country per year, in 2006, KSR was not presented and India’s other nomination was not successful. Similarly, KSR was not presented on 2007 and India’s other nomination, the Red Fort was inscribed as a World Heritage Site. A revised application in a new format applicable from 2007 was submitted to UNESCO in January’ 2007. This is being considered by UNESCO and a team from International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) an organ of UNESCO for cultural heritage sites, inspected the KSR in September, 2007. Based on their report and recommendations, further examination of the application will be done internally by ICOMOS & UNESCO and KSR may come come up for consideration to be listed as a World Heritage Site in the next session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Canada in July’2008. Technical problems faced in the operation and maintenance of the KSR are being attended regularly. The inspection of track, bridges and tunnels are being done as per schedule laid down and necessary maintenance works/renewal are being done regularly. Moreover, as a direct result of widening and repairs of road formation located just above the rail alignment, the train services affected from time to time. This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri R.Velu in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. AKS/HK/CK/TR