Continuous heavy rains for nearly a week have disrupted normal life in the state, blocking roads and damaging infrastructure. The Northern Railway has announced that all services on the UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge route will remain suspended until September 5 as engineers work to clear debris and repair damaged sections of the track, particularly near Datiyar in the Solan district, where a portion of the track has reportedly been washed away.

The suspension has hit local tourism-related businesses hard, especially during the monsoon season when many visitors prefer the toy train for its scenic yet relatively safe travel experience.

Luckey, President of the Taxi Union at Shimla Railway Station, told ANI that the halt in services has left many drivers struggling to make ends meet.

“The rain has caused a lot of trouble. Roads are blocked almost everywhere. Our business has been badly affected. The train was our only link, bringing in some tourists, but it has been closed for five days now. We are finding it hard to even cover our daily expenses,” Luckey said.

He added that while the Railway has officially notified suspension until September 5, the damage is extensive.

“They say landslides have occurred in multiple places and near Datiyar, the track itself is gone. Even here at the station, we have to leave our vehicles and walk to avoid damage, because trees are falling everywhere. Our livelihood was running only because of the train, but since it stopped, everything has come to a standstill,” he lamented.

Authorities have deployed teams to clear landslides and restore connectivity on the track, but with more rain forecast, the timeline for resumption of services remains uncertain.

The Kalka-Shimla toy train, built in 1903, a heritage train route is one of the region’s biggest tourist draws, offering panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and colonial-era architecture. Its prolonged suspension during peak monsoon season is expected to cause further economic strain on those dependent on tourism in the city.

India based travel distribution platform TBO has agreed to acquire Classic Vacations from Phoenix-based investment firm, The Najafi Companies.

The transaction value is estimated at up to $125 million.

The acquisition brings together TBO’s technology platform and worldwide inventory with Classic Vacations network of luxury travel advisors and suppliers.

Classic Vacations delivered revenue of $111 million and an operating EBITDA of $11.2 million in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

“We’re thrilled to bring Classic Vacations into the TBO family – the company’s longstanding delivery of outstanding services has earned the trust of its more than 10,000 travel advisors in the U.S,” said Gaurav Bhatnagar, TBO’s co-founder and joint managing director.

“Classic Vacations is led by a strong team of experts and will continue as an independent brand.”

“As we start working on integrating Classic Vacations with TBO, we will remain open to similar strategic alliances going forward,” added Ankush Nijhawan, co-founder and co-managing director.

Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, added:  “Together, we’re strengthening Classic Vacations’ position as the premier luxury partner in the market while extending our reach onto the global stage.”

Classic Vacations was bought by The Najafi Companies in 2021 from Expedia Group.

Classic Vacations has a large network of high-value travel advisors and deep ties with major American consortia.

It delivers premium service across hotels, air, experiences, car rentals, and travel protection, specializing in bespoke luxury itineraries.

Related News Stories:  Partner News – TravelMole    

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has awarded safety clearance to Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd (AISATS) for the very first time. This clearance highlights the regulator’s strong focus on aviation safety, particularly in critical areas such as ground handling.

Ground handling plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient airline operations. With rising passenger traffic, larger aircraft, quicker turnaround times, and multiple service providers, DGCA has mandated safety clearance for all operators across India.

By achieving this approval, India has become the second country in the Asia-Pacific region, after Malaysia, to implement a comprehensive safety framework aligned with guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

According to DGCA, AISATS successfully underwent a rigorous evaluation process. This assessment covered its Safety Management System (SMS), risk control practices, reporting mechanisms, staff training programmes, and supporting infrastructure.

The regulator emphasized that this clearance strengthens India’s aviation ecosystem by embedding SMS as the foundation of aviation safety. It also enhances regulatory oversight in ground handling operations across the country.

The official clearance was formally handed over to AISATS at DGCA headquarters in New Delhi. The milestone marks a proactive step by the regulator in aligning Indian aviation standards with global best practices.