Tunnel no.33,Shimla

All hill stations have ghost stories. Why this is so is a mystery in itself. Is it because of the nature of the mountains and the veil of secrecy and silence or is it because one writer after another has immortalised the hills with their literary ghosts?

So it is no wonder that Shimla, considered the 'Queen of Hills', also has its own stories of ghosts. One of them is the story of Tunnel No. 33 near Barog Railway Station.

The story goes that in 1898, Colonel Barog, a railway engineer, was assigned the task of building a tunnel in this area in a certain time. After many calculations and perhaps some wrong calculations, the labourers started working on the plan. His idea was that the labourers should start working from two different ends so that they meet in the middle and thus complete the tunnel.

But even after making many holes and digging, the labourers did not meet in the middle. Perhaps due to the wrong calculations of Colonel Barog, the work could not be completed and he was fired from the job and fined by the government. The labourers were also angry. Unable to withstand the embarrassment and humiliation, he fell into a state of depression.

On a regular night walk with his dog, he shot himself to get out of his misery and died of bleeding there. To pay tribute to him, his body was buried near the incomplete tunnel. If the locals are to be believed, he never left that place and his spirit still wanders the place.

The ghost of Colonel Barog comes to the tunnel, where he talks to uninvited strangers. It is also said that the government tried to close the incomplete tunnel, but every time the lock was found to be broken.

The ghost of Colonel Barog may not fall in the category of scary ghosts, but the story itself is quite scary. The tunnel was later completed by Chief Engineer HS Harlington by moving the tunnel a kilometer away from its original location. The idea of ​​a ghost lurking with the sadness of an unfinished task is perhaps an accurate subconscious expression of the human condition and our inability to forget our failures.

### Tunnel Number 33, Shimla: The Barog Passage that Leads to Paranormal Activity

Located on the picturesque Kalka-Shimla railway line, Tunnel Number 33, often referred to as Barog Tunnel, is among the most intriguing and supposedly paranormal places in India. This 114 years old tunnel with a length of more than 1000 meters is not only known for its peculiar engineering but also for the disturbing tales that encompass it. Hidden deep within hills enveloped in thick fog, Tunnel 33 is endowed with a sense of horror largely because of some untimely incidents that occurred during its making, making it a favorite among history buffs, paranormal seekers, and inquisitive tourists.

#### The Tragic History Behind Tunnel Number 33

The tunnel has its own haunting story, and that is centered around Colonel Barog, a British Engineer who was tasked with the making of the tunnel at some point in the twentieth century. He rendered the most critical aspect of any tunnel construction, and that made the two edges of the tunnel not to meet up. Aspiring to be a soldier in the remaining colonies, Colonel Barog did not escape the punishment of his aggressive superior and fell into heavy depression. Overcome with disappointment, he committed suicide not too far from the uncompleted archway, which outlived him.

Legends say, that is why people say Colonel Barog could not leave the tunnel, for a ghost, has been seen around the tunnel number 33, bearing his likeness. They say that his ghost is harmless and walks around looking at things in the vicinity. These stories have contributed over time to the making of the myth associated with Tunnel 33 as one of the scariest places in Shimla.

Zurich Tunnel Number 33 Para Normal Activities

Tunnel Number 33 instills a deep sense of fear and dread in most of its visitors. A lot of them tend to describe how while standing at the mouth of the tunnel or even at some point inside it, he or she saw a semblance of Colonel Barog. They also describe hearing whispers or even the sound of feet shuffling about within the cold, dark tunnel walls.and some report feeling sudden drops in temperature, an unknown force, or the sensation of being surveilled when traversing through the tunnel.

The residents in the region are certain that Colonel Barog’s lingering spirit is a friendly one, and it is claimed that he had the ability to speak to others without malice. The sad however, is that the history and the sad events attached to Tunnel 33, attracts many individuals who are fans of the spirit world, who await the appearance of the colonel or rather want to feel the mystery of this place.

Tunnel’s Design and Ambience

Placing the above statements, Tunnel Number 33 the longest on the Kalka Shimla road in hills is regarded as a civil engineering masterpiece. This dark, dank tunnel, most parts of which are encased in thick pine and deodar forests, is often enveloped by mist creating an eerie natural environment. Its great length and narrowness combined with the sound of a train, provide a chilling sensation of some other world especially in the morning or evening times.

Even in the absence of tales of restless spirits, Tunnel 33 is undeniably provocative in its intrigue, owing to its remoteness and the peculiar experience of moving its dark and quiet interior. For the adventurers, the overall feeling is motivation enough to take the trip, although most tend to stay out after night, especially when the feeling becomes more oppressive inside the bulky tunnel.

Visiting Hours and Best Times for Exploration

Tunnel Number 33 is open in the daytime, and guests can move about, examining it at will. The best time for such visit is the day, preferable in the morning when the mist has not settled on the hills to given the spectacular time. The most common weather pattern is that during the day it is usually clear, however cosier and more inclement weather, which further enhances the mystique of the tunnel may prevail. Many of the tourists however take to the land around the region for hiking,taking in the breathtaking view that is the obvious opposite of the plaza inside the tunnel which is known to be eerie.

Sometimes local guides include few version stories in the tour such as about Colonel Barog and other anomalous occurrences. Such incident of course gives little bit of thrill to the journey. But it is not like the tunnel is closed for the night, it is rather suggested not to go for late visits because of the overwhelming dark and the growing unwanted presence.

Conclusion

With its history, sorrow, and paranormal elements, Tunnel Number 33 or Barog Tunnel is certainly one of the attractions for the tourists visiting Shimla. Tragic history of Colonel Barog along with numerous ghost sightings have built a story which draws travelers even today. Anyone with an interest in spine-chilling tales and beautiful places will find Tunnel Number 33 an enticingly terrifying place.

To appreciate its beauty, to know its place in the history of Shimla, or to experience the intrigue of the ghosts, Tunnel No. 33 is worth visiting. A visit here allows one to look into the past, connect with the colonial history of Shimla, and reach into the unknown, hence it is a must stop for every tourist who loves the hidden tales in the mountains.