Shimla. Whenever the World Heritage Kalka Shimla Railway Line is mentioned, Baba Bhalku’s name is definitely taken. But, many people do not know about Baba Bhalku. This was the same person, thanks to whom the work on Kalka-Shimla railway line could start beyond Barog. Baba Bhalku had the biggest contribution in building the longest tunnel number-33 of the heritage railway line.
However, apart from this, he also helped in building many other small tunnels and railway tracks with the British. Baba Bhalku was not educated, hence he is also called ‘illiterate engineer’. Many types of programs are often organized in Shimla even today on his birth anniversary and death anniversary. Let’s take a look at the unique personality of Baba Bhalku…
Baba Bhalku Rail Museum
Chail Hotel Association President Devendra Verma told Local 18, Baba Bhalku was a resident of Jhajha village in Chail area, located about 40 kilometers from Shimla. He was a saint and was not educated. But Baba Bhalku had done the work which the educated English officers could not do. He did many such things, which many intellectuals of the British government could not do. The British government of that time also honored him for his work. A museum containing his memories has also been built at the old bus stand of Shimla.
Very famous story related to Barog Tunnel
The responsibility of building Tunnel No. 33 of the Kalka-Shimla railway line was given to British Government Engineer Colonel Barog. Due to a mistake in Colonel Barog’s calculations, the two ends of the tunnel could not meet. Therefore, the British government imposed a fine on Colonel Barog for wasting government money. Barog could not bear this infamy and shot himself. After this, the responsibility of building the tunnel was given to engineer HS Harrington. Harington completed the construction of the 1143.16 meter long tunnel with the help of Baba Bhalku.
Tags: British Raj, Indian Railways, Local18, Shimla News
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 10, 2024, 19:12 IST