Train services on the historic Kangra Valley Railway route have been successfully reinstated, marking the resumption of operations on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge line after a nearly four-year suspension. The services were halted following the catastrophic collapse of the Chakki railway bridge in August 2022 due to severe floods.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the restoration was formally initiated with a flagging-off ceremony at the Kangra railway station. The event was graced by the presence of Hamirpur Member of Parliament and former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, alongside Kangra MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj. Local dignitaries including Kangra MLA Pawan Kajal and Nurpur MLA Ranbir Singh Nikka also attended, alongside Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar and other railway officials. A considerable number of local residents gathered to witness the significant revival of the iconic rail service.
The re-establishment of train operations represents a crucial development in enhancing regional connectivity. The Kangra Valley Railway is regarded as an essential lifeline for thousands of individuals residing in the rural areas of Kangra and Mandi districts. Furthermore, the revival of this service is anticipated to significantly stimulate tourism in the picturesque Kangra Valley, an area renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and historical landmarks.
During his address to the attendees, Anurag Thakur emphasized that the restoration of the railway service underscores the Union government’s steadfast commitment to bolstering connectivity and infrastructure development within Himachal Pradesh. He recounted that train operations were severely impacted after the interstate Chakki railway bridge, situated near Kandwal on the Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border, was washed away during the widespread floods in August 2022.
Thakur further stated that the issue had been consistently brought to the attention of the Union Government, prompting the Ministry of Railways to undertake the reconstruction of the bridge. The estimated cost for this extensive reconstruction effort was approximately ₹70 crore. The newly constructed bridge, built employing advanced engineering methodologies, has now cleared the path for the resumption of train services along this vital route.
“The revival of rail services will undoubtedly provide a substantial boost to the tourism sector, improve essential transportation facilities for the local populace, and consequently foster new avenues for employment and economic expansion within the region,” Thakur remarked. He expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for prioritizing the development of railway infrastructure in the hilly state.
Highlighting the substantial investments being channeled into the railway sector, Thakur informed that the Union Budget for 2026-27 had earmarked an allocation of ₹2,911 crore for various railway enhancement projects in Himachal Pradesh. These projects encompass expansion, modernization, electrification, and crucial safety initiatives. He also noted that railway projects with a cumulative value of ₹17,711 crore are currently in various stages of implementation across the state. In addition, four railway stations are undergoing redevelopment as part of the ambitious Amrit Station Scheme, aimed at modernizing station infrastructure nationwide.
Kangra MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj articulated that the reinforcement of rail connectivity within the hill state is expected to accelerate the pace of overall development and enhance accessibility to previously remote areas. He characterized the resumption of train services as a landmark achievement for the entire region.
The restoration of the Kangra Valley Railway, recognized as one of India’s most scenic narrow-gauge railway routes, has been met with widespread approval and jubilation from residents, traders, and stakeholders within the tourism industry. These groups had been eagerly anticipating the return of train services since their suspension nearly four years ago.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
