Barog Railway Station is located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is not only a significant stop along the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Railway. It is also the gateway to one of India’s most storied tunnels – Tunnel No. 33 (the Barog Tunnel). This article presents an unabridged version of the data, enriched with extra travel information, historical context, and local legends.
Overview
Barog Railway Station (station code BOF) is located at an elevation of approximately 1,531 meters (5,023 feet) above sea level. It is 42.14 km from Kalka. The station offers a picturesque view with its brilliant blue woodwork set against a lush forest backdrop. Barog was historically popular among British passengers for its leisurely halts. It offered fine dining. Now, tourists celebrate Barog for its well-maintained platforms and scenic charm (Barog Station Info, Barog Station Wikipedia).
Tunnel No. 33: The Barog Tunnel
Tunnel No. 33 is renowned for being the longest and straightest tunnel on the Kalka-Shimla route, measuring exactly 1,143.61 meters (3,752 feet) in length. Trains crossing the tunnel at 25 km/h take approximately 2.5 minutes to finish the passage. It stands as a remarkable feat of engineering amidst the dramatic terrain of Himachal Pradesh (Tripoto Facts, The Hindu Article).
Barog Railway Station Photos
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Historical Construction and Tragic Tales
The Vision and the Tragedy
In the late 19th century, Colonel Barog, a British railway engineer, was tasked with constructing the tunnel. He planned to dig at the same time from both ends. Due to a fatal miscalculation in alignment, the two ends did not meet, leaving the tunnel incomplete. Overwhelmed by humiliation—exacerbated by a fine of Rs. 1 imposed by the British government—Colonel Barog tragically took his own life near the unfinished structure. He was buried approximately 1 km from the site along the Kalka-Shimla highway. India.com’s Haunted Tunnel, ShimlaOnline Ghost.
Completion Under Unlikely Leadership
After this tragic episode, Chief Engineer H.S. Harrington stepped in. Baba Bhalku, a local saint renowned for his intuitive engineering skills, provided invaluable assistance. The tunnel was completed in September 1903. The cost was Rs. 8.40 lakh. Despite lacking formal education, Baba Bhalku used his unique method. He tapped the mountain with a wooden staff to find the correct tunnel alignment. His contributions have been permanently honored at the Baba Bhalku Rail Museum. They are also documented in several histories of the railway line (Jokta Academy on Baba Bhalku, News18 Contribution).
Myths and Legends
Tunnel No. 33 has long been reputed as one of the most haunted locations on the Kalka-Shimla Railway. Locals recount stories of Colonel Barog’s ghost. He is said to be friendly. He is often seen chatting with curious visitors before vanishing into the darkness. The tunnel’s eerie silence and damp conditions add to its haunted reputation. There are also reports of mysterious disturbances, like broken locks on government-sealed sections.
Some accounts even mention the ghost of Colonel Barog riding his horse near the tunnel site. This reinforces the layers of myth and intrigue that surround the structure. Despite these legends, the tunnel remains a revered and essential part of the railway’s history. Its maintenance includes 55 lights and reflective mirrors for safety and visibility.
Comparative Table: Key Metrics
To summarize the essential details at a glance, refer to the table below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tunnel Length | 1,143.61 meters (3,752 feet) |
| Crossing Time | 2.5 minutes at 25 km/h |
| Construction Cost | Rs. 8.40 lakh (1903) |
| Total Tunnels on Route | 102 operational (after renumbering) |
| Station Altitude | 1,531 meters (5,023 feet) |
| Distance from Kalka | 42.14 km |
How to Reach Barog Railway Station and Tunnel No. 33
By Train
The most popular and scenic way to reach Barog Railway Station is via the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla toy train. This historical train journey offers breathtaking views of the mountains and forests and stops at Barog along its route. The station is well-signposted, and train timings are available on multiple railway information websites including RailYatri.
By Road
- From Chandigarh: Barog is approximately 60 km from Chandigarh. You can reach it by car or bus via the Kalka-Shimla highway.
- From Shimla: It is about 65 km from Shimla. Travelers can hire taxis or use local bus services which navigate the winding mountain roads.
Extra Travel Tips
- Ticket Booking: Advance booking is recommended for the Kalka-Shimla toy train, as it is a popular tourist attraction.
- Local Guidance: Once at Barog, local guides are often available to explain the historical context. Some knowledgeable locals can offer insights into the legends linked with Tunnel No. 33.
- Nearby Attractions: Apart from the station and tunnel, consider other places. Visit the Baba Bhalku Rail Museum in Shimla. You will get an in-depth look at the region’s rich railway heritage.
Extra Information and Media Appearances
Barog Railway Station and Tunnel No. 33 have captured the imagination of filmmakers and explorers alike. The station has featured in films like Metro… In Dino, as well as travel series like Michael Palin’s Himalaya (2004) and Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. Such media representations help preserve the legacy of this iconic stop. They also add to the growing legend of its haunted tunnel.
Concluding Thoughts
The story of Barog Railway Station and Tunnel No. 33 is a blend of engineering triumph, tragic loss, local ingenuity, and eerie folklore. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a lover of mysteries, this historic route promises to enchant you. It offers scenic beauty and layered narratives. If you are simply in search of a unique travel experience, it assures enchantment.
Key Citations:
- Barog Railway Station Info RailYatri
- Barog Railway Station Wikipedia
- Tunnel Number 33 The Hindu Article
- India’s Most Haunted Tunnel No. 33 India.com
- Barog Tunnel Facts History Tripoto
- True Story of Baba Bhalku Jokta Academy
- Baba Bhalku Museum Google Arts & Culture
- Railway Museum Shimla Himachal Tourism
- Baba Bhalku Contribution News18
- Barog Station Tripadvisor Reviews
- Grave of Barog Tripadvisor Review
- Ghost of Tunnel 33 ShimlaOnline
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