I was super excited about my Himachal Pradesh trip, especially the much-hyped toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla! I had heard so much about how magical the journey is—those breathtaking views, the old-world charm, and of course, the famous 103 tunnels (well, 102 are still active). And then there was the star of the show—Tunnel 33, the Barog Tunnel, the longest of them all!
As I hopped onto the train, my excitement was through the roof. The journey began, and with every tunnel, my curiosity grew. First tunnel—whoosh! Then the second, the third, and so on. I was completely lost in the beauty of the mountains when, just as we were approaching Tunnel 28, I overheard some fellow passengers whispering about Tunnel 33. "Wahi tunnel hai jisme Colonel Barog ka bhoot dikhta hai," one of them muttered. "Kehte hain, jo bhi andar ruk jaye, use ajeeb awazein sunai deti hain," another added, his voice barely above a whisper.
I felt a shiver run down my spine. Ghost stories? In the middle of my dream toy train ride? This was getting interesting. I leaned in closer, pretending to admire the view, but my ears were glued to their conversation. Curious, I asked, "What’s so special about Tunnel 33?" A lady waved her hand dramatically and said, "Child, this tunnel isn’t just a tunnel… it’s an unfinished story!" I frowned. "Unfinished?" She leaned in and whispered, "Because the man who built it... could never complete it. He was buried inside."
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Who Was Colonel Barog? The Man Who Miscalculated Fate
I asked the lady, "If he was buried, then how is this tunnel even complete?" But before she could answer, her attention shifted—her little grandson was tugging at her sleeve, desperately needing a bathroom break. Just like that, my burning question was left unanswered, hanging in the air like a half-told ghost story. I was determined to uncover the story behind Tunnel No. 33 Shimla.
Frustrated and still curious, I leaned back in my seat. The train rattled on, but my mind was stuck on Tunnel 33. With barely a flicker of network, I did what any modern-day detective would—I Googled. And there it was, the name that sent a chill down my spine—Colonel Barog!
The Kalka-Shimla railway was a marvel in the making, and among the many tasked with bringing it to life was Colonel Barog—a British engineer with a grand vision. His assignment? To carve a tunnel through the mighty Himalayas, ensuring a seamless route for the toy train. Confident in his expertise, he devised a bold plan: dig from both ends and meet in the middle. A brilliant idea, except for one fatal flaw—his calculations were wrong.
As weeks turned into months, laborers toiled day and night, chipping away at the mountains from both sides. But when the two ends were supposed to meet, they were hopelessly misaligned. The tunnel was a failure.
The news spread like wildfire, and the British government, in a fit of rage, fined Colonel Barog for wasting resources. The British authorities, unimpressed by his error, fined him a single rupee—not a huge amount, but enough to shame a man of his stature. The humiliation was unbearable. Once a name spoken with respect, it became a subject of ridicule—and eventually, something far more tragic.
The Tunnel That Became His Tomb
One fateful evening, burdened by disgrace, Colonel Barog took a lonely walk near the ill-fated tunnel, his loyal dog trotting beside him. The mountains stood silent, the air heavy with his despair. Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, he pulled out his gun and, in sheer desperation, ended his life.
Some say he shot his dog first, while others believe the terrified animal ran to the nearest village for help. By the time people arrived, it was too late. Colonel Barog had breathed his last near what is now the Barog Pine Wood Hotel. His body was laid to rest in front of the tunnel, just a kilometer from Barog railway station.
The history of Tunnel No. 33 Shimla remains forever tied to his tragic fate—what was meant to be an engineering marvel became his tomb, a haunting tale that lingers through time.
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The Man Who Started It Couldn’t Finish It—So Who Did?
Colonel Barog’s untimely death left behind more than just an unfinished tunnel—it left a challenge that needed a new leader. Enter Chief Engineer H.S. Harrington, the man tasked with completing what Barog could not. However, fate had more trials in store. Like his predecessor, Harrington struggled to find the perfect alignment for the railway track. The mountains of Shimla weren’t willing to surrender their secrets so easily.
That’s when an unlikely hero emerged—Baba Bhalku, a local saint from Jhaja near Chail. It is said that he possessed a natural gift for understanding the terrain, something no engineering manual could teach.
With his guidance, Harrington and his team surveyed the mountains and found the perfect alignment for the tunnel. A new one was bored approximately a kilometer away from the original failed attempt, and after three years of labor, Shimla railway Tunnel No. 33 was finally completed in September 1903, at a cost of Rs. 8.40 lakh.
To honor the man who had started it all, the tunnel was named after Colonel Barog. Today, Barog Tunnel Shimla stands as a reminder of both failure and redemption—where one man’s despair ended, another’s determination prevailed, with the mystical wisdom of Baba Bhalku guiding the way.
Legends and Ghost Stories of Tunnel No. 33 Shimla
Every old structure has a story, but Tunnel No. 33 Shimla comes with a lingering presence—one that refuses to fade with time. Over the years, travelers and railway staff have whispered tales of strange occurrences, eerie sounds, and an unseen presence within the tunnel. While some call it superstition, others swear by their spine-chilling encounters.
One of the most famous legends suggests that Colonel Barog himself still roams the tunnel. Unlike the terrifying ghosts of horror movies, his spirit is said to be harmless, even friendly. Some claim to have seen a shadowy figure walking along the tracks, while others have reported hearing soft whispers in the dead of night. A few passengers who’ve walked through the tunnel even insist they’ve felt an invisible hand on their shoulder—gentle, as if guiding them.
Locals believe that his soul never found peace, bound to the very tunnel that led to his downfall. While the tunnel remains in use today, its haunted reputation adds an air of mystery to every passing train. Whether it’s just folklore or something truly paranormal, one thing is certain—tunnel no. 33 Shimla haunted story is something everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime.
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The Real Facts – Beyond the Ghost Stories
- The tunnel is located under Solan Hill, about halfway to Shimla, and is part of the Kalka-Shimla Railway track.
- Tunnel No. 33 is the longest tunnel on the Kalka-Shimla railway line, stretching 1,143.61 meters (3,752 feet) in length.
- It holds the distinction of being the straightest tunnel in the world, allowing a clear view from one end to the other.
- The tunnel was constructed between 1900 and 1903, after the tragic demise of Colonel Barog.
- Barog Tunnel Shimla is located at an altitude of 1,530 meters (5,020 feet) above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- It is part of the Kalka-Shimla UNESCO World Heritage Railway, a marvel of British engineering.
- The tunnel allows trains to pass through in about 2.5 minutes, making it a fascinating experience for passengers.
- Despite its eerie reputation, the tunnel is fully functional, with toy trains passing through it daily.
- It is a popular stop for history lovers, railway enthusiasts, and travelers eager to experience its blend of history, mystery, and natural beauty.
Dare to Visit? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Best Time to Visit Tunnel No. 33 Shimla
- Summer (March to June): Ideal for pleasant weather and clear views of the surrounding mountains. The temperature ranges between 15°C to 30°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing.
- Monsoon (July to September): While the lush greenery looks stunning, heavy rains can cause landslides and travel disruptions. It’s best to check the weather forecast before planning a visit.
- Autumn (October to November): A great time to visit as the weather remains cool and the landscapes take on beautiful golden hues. The temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.
- Winter (December to February): Perfect for those who love the chill and occasional snowfall. The tunnel and its surroundings look magical under a blanket of snow, but temperatures can drop to 0°C or lower, so pack accordingly!
For the best experience, visit between March and June or October and November when the weather is pleasant, and the journey is smooth.
How to Reach Tunnel No. 33 Shimla
- By Toy Train: The best and most scenic way to reach Tunnel No. 33 is by taking the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. The train passes through the tunnel, giving you a firsthand experience of its eerie yet fascinating charm. You can board the train from Kalka Railway Station and get down at Barog Railway Station, which is just a short distance from the tunnel.
- By Road: If you prefer to travel by road, you can drive or hire a taxi from Shimla (about 60 km away) or Kalka (about 42 km away). The tunnel is located near the Barog railway station, making it easily accessible via the Kalka-Shimla highway.
- By Bus: Regular HRTC buses and private buses run between Kalka, Solan, and Shimla. You can get off at Barog and take a short walk to reach the tunnel.
- By Trekking: Adventure lovers can trek from Barog to the tunnel, enjoying the breathtaking views of the mountains and dense forests along the way. It's a moderate trek, perfect for nature and history enthusiasts.
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Things to Do Near Tunnel No. 33 Shimla
- Explore Barog Railway Station – A quaint little station with old-world charm, Barog Railway Station is perfect for photography and soaking in the colonial-era vibes.
- Visit Barog Pine Wood Hotel – Located close to the tunnel, this government-run hotel is a great place to relax, enjoy local food, and take in the scenic beauty.
- Experience the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train Ride – Hop on the famous toy train and experience one of India’s most scenic railway journeys as it passes through tunnels, bridges, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Trek to Choor Chandni Peak – Known as the “Mountain of Silver Bangles,” this peak offers mesmerizing views, especially under the moonlight, making it a must-visit for trekkers and adventure lovers.
- Hike to Karol Tibba – For a more challenging trek, visit Karol Tibba, the highest peak in Solan, which is believed to have a cave associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
- Barog Camping Grounds – If you love the outdoors, set up a camp at Barog Camping Grounds for a night under the stars, surrounded by pine forests and fresh mountain air.
- Visit Dolanji Bon Monastery – About 12 km from Barog, this beautiful monastery offers spiritual peace and stunning views of the mountains.
- Explore Solan – Just a short drive away, Solan offers attractions like the Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, Jatoli Temple, and the Mushroom City of India experience.
