This is the first UNESCO world heritage status to a monument in Himachal Pradesh.
"Tourism will definitely get a major boost after the world heritage status by UNESCO to the Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge track," P S Gill, Station Superintendent, Shimla, told Business Standard.
Officials say the 96-km-long railway track, built by the British in 1903, is currently running in loss as the Indian railways subsidises travel by this train in an effort to popularise the train with tourists.
The Indian railways is excited the world heritage status will bring in fresh resources to look after the century old track.
"The Indian railways must now improve the coaches and services on this route. It must also introduce a luxury train to attract high-end travellers," said Umesh Akre, president of Himachal Pradesh Hotel Association.
"The train speed must also be increased," Akre added.
"We are happy that Himachal Pradesh now has its first world heritage status historical monument by UNESCO," said Birender Singh Malhans, convenor INTACH, Himachal Pradesh chapter.
"The granting of world heritage status to this railway track will not only benefit Shimla but the entire hinterland. It will also help in attracting more projects to preserve historical monuments in the state," Malhans added.
A two-member UNESCO team of Robert Lee and Ian Walker surveyed the 96-km track last year on the basis of which the UNESCO status has been given.
The team examined the winding railway track, bridges, tunnels, railways stations along the 96-km long winding mountain route offering spectacular views of the Himalayas.
"They also examined mementos, seals, telegraph belts, rule books, registers, jacks, oiling machines and other antiques of the century old track," said station superintendent Gill.
The track was built during colonial British rule. The British viceroy, Lord Curzon, started the first train in 1903.
The spectacular track rises from 650 metres in Kalka to almost 2,100 metres above sea level in Shimla. It passes through 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and 18 railway stations.
