THE ENIGMATIC TALE OF TUNNEL NO 33 : BAROG'S GHOST

Introduction

Hidden amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape of Himachal Pradesh, India, lies a hauntingly beautiful piece of history known as Tunnel No. 33, Barog. Though an engineering marvel, this tunnel carries a mysterious and eerie aura that has earned it the reputation of being one of India's most haunted places. In this blog, we will delve deep into the history, construction, and ghostly legends that shroud Tunnel No. 33 in Barog.

The History of Tunnel No. 33

Construction of the Kalka-Shimla Railway, one of India's most iconic railway lines, began in the late 19th century during British colonial rule. The railway aimed to connect Kalka, a town in the plains, with the hill station of Shimla, which was the summer capital of British India. With its intricate network of tunnels and bridges, the railway line was a remarkable feat of engineering, and Tunnel No. 33 was no exception.

Tunnel No. 33, named after Colonel Barog, a British engineer who oversaw its construction, is situated near the town of Barog. Colonel Barog had been entrusted with the responsibility of constructing the tunnel, but during its construction, a grave error occurred. The tunnel was being excavated from both ends, but due to a miscalculation in measurements, the two ends did not meet accurately. This resulted in a misaligned tunnel with both ends missing each other by a substantial distance.

The Tragic Fate of Colonel Barog

The failure of Tunnel No. 33 took a toll on Colonel Barog, who was deeply humiliated and embarrassed by the blunder. The British authorities, infuriated by this costly mistake, imposed a heavy penalty on him. The penalty coupled with the shame drove Colonel Barog to depression and despair. Unable to bear the disgrace, he took his own life, further adding to the dark history of Tunnel No. 33.

The Construction Resumes

After Colonel Barog's tragic death, another engineer, H.S. Harrington, was appointed to rectify the mistake and complete the tunnel. Harrington successfully completed the tunnel, aligning it accurately, but the price paid for this success was steep – the life of a talented and tormented man, Colonel Barog.

The Haunting of Tunnel No. 33

The ghostly tales surrounding Tunnel No. 33, Barog, have been passed down through generations. Locals and railway staff claim to have experienced paranormal occurrences in and around the tunnel. Some common experiences include:

1. Mysterious Sounds: People have reported hearing strange and unexplained sounds coming from the tunnel, including footsteps, whispers, and eerie moans.

2. Apparitions: Several individuals have claimed to have seen shadowy figures and apparitions near the tunnel, especially during the night.

3. Cold Spots: Unexplained cold spots have been felt within the tunnel, even on warm summer days, sending chills down the spines of those who venture inside.

4. Disturbed Equipment: Railway workers have reported that their tools and equipment sometimes mysteriously move or disappear, only to reappear in unexpected places.

5. Disembodied Voices: Ghostly voices have been heard by people passing through the tunnel, often calling out their names or whispering eerie messages.

Conclusion

Tunnel No. 33, Barog, stands as a testament to human perseverance and engineering brilliance, but it is also shrouded in an air of melancholy and mystery.