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District: Solan
Theme: Colonial Hauntings
🏗️ Engineering Ambition Meets Tragic Miscalculation
In 1898, British engineer Colonel Barog was assigned to build a tunnel on the Kalka–Shimla railway. His plan to dig from both ends of the mountain failed—an error in calculations caused the tunnels to misalign. Though penalized only a symbolic rupee, the humiliation was immense. Overwhelmed with shame, he took his own life during a solitary walk with his dog near the tunnel site. His grave still lies quietly nearby.
The tunnel was later completed under a new team, guided by Baba Bhalku, a local sage renowned for his uncanny intuition about mountain terrain.
👻 The Ghost That Never Left
Colonel Barog’s presence is still felt in the area. Locals tell of:
- A solitary figure in colonial garb appearing at twilight
- Lantern-lit apparitions at the tunnel entrance
- Locks found mysteriously opened, or doors closed without explanation
- Conversations with a kindly stranger—who vanishes without a trace
Rather than fearsome, his spirit is said to be gentle and watchful. Some even consider him the tunnel’s guardian, tied eternally to the place he once hoped to master.
🧙♂️ Baba Bhalku – The Spiritual Engineer
After Barog’s death, British engineer H.S. Harrington faced similar challenges—until Baba Bhalku’s intuitive guidance led to success. His contributions are honored in Shimla’s Railway Museum, where his story sits beside colonial blueprints and archival photos.
🚉 Travel Experience & Visitor Tips
- Location: Between Barog and Solan on the Kalka–Shimla railway line
- Length: 1,143 meters (one of the longest on the route)
- Recommended Way to Visit: Take the toy train for an atmospheric ride through misty hills
- Nearby Spots: Barog Station (known for its cleanliness and pine forest views), colonial-era buildings, and local cafés
Engage with station staff or villagers—they often share stories passed down from railway workers and passengers.
🧭 Why It Belongs in “Haunted Places”
Tunnel No. 33 is more than bricks and stone—it’s a living echo of colonial ambition, personal tragedy, and unresolved energy. The haunting here isn’t malevolent; it’s sorrowful, atmospheric, and deeply human. It invites reflection rather than fear, and its mystery endures with every train that passes through.
