Chandigarh: The mystery and folklore surrounding Shimla’s historic railway line have found a new voice in senior journalist Vikrant Parmar’s debut novel Tunnel Number 33.
Published by Fern Tree Publishing, the novel is set along the iconic Shimla–Kalka railway track, known for its 103 tunnels and decades-old legacy. Drawing heavily from the region’s lesser-known stories and eerie charm, the book explores themes of memory, mystery and the lingering impact of the past.
The narrative follows Rudra Pratap, a writer in search of purpose, and Mahadev Singh, a legendary train driver believed to be carrying out a mysterious mission linked to past events. Their unexpected meeting during a tense journey unfolds into a layered story that blends history with imagination and hints of the supernatural.
Parmar, who grew up in Shimla, said the idea for the novel was rooted in his childhood fascination with the railway line and its tunnels. He recalled hearing stories about Tunnel Number 33 and other unexplained incidents, which stayed with him over the years and eventually shaped the storyline.
The book has drawn praise from the film and literary community. Filmmaker Varun V. Sharma termed it “impossible to put down,” while screenwriter Anand Rathore said the story “thrills, entertains and surprises.” Author Sahar Gharachorlou highlighted the emotional depth of the narrative, noting how it builds empathy for unseen and restless presences.
Set in a moody environment marked by dusk, sleet and silence, Tunnel Number 33 focuses more on atmosphere and emotional storytelling than conventional horror. The novel presents a world where the past quietly influences the present, capturing the essence of the hills and their untold stories.
With this debut, Vikrant Parmar steps into literary fiction by combining his journalistic insight, lived experiences in the Himalayan region and interest in folklore, offering readers a story that connects mystery with deeper human emotions.
