In a welcome development for rail enthusiasts and tourists, the iconic Kangra Valley narrow-gauge railway line is set to restart partial services from December 5, 2024. The operations were suspended earlier this year due to extensive damage caused by heavy monsoon rains and landslides in July and August.
Partial Resumption of a Historic Route
For now, the train services will operate on a truncated section of the line. The route will be open from Baijnath Paprola railway station to Kangra railway station in the north and Joginder Nagar railway station in the south. This marks a significant step towards full restoration, though the complete journey from the traditional starting point remains on hold.
Typically, the charming narrow-gauge train begins its scenic journey from Pathankot in Punjab. However, the crucial section connecting Pathankot to Kangra is still under restoration and is not part of the December 5 restart. Officials have indicated that the Pathankot-Kangra route will be opened in the near future.
Boost for Tourism and Local Commute
The decision to resume operations was taken by the Jammu Tawi railway division following necessary repair works on the Himachal leg of the track. Uchit Singhal, Senior Commercial Manager of the Jammu railway division, emphasized the dual benefit of the resumption. He stated that it would boost tourism in the picturesque region and also serve as an important transport option for local residents.
This colonial-era railway, which was earlier under the Ferozpur division of Northern Railways, has been under the administration of the Jammu Tawi railway division since January 6 this year.
The Path to Full Restoration and UNESCO Status
The complete restoration of the entire line hinges on the reconstruction of the Chakki bridge. A substantial portion of this colonial-era bridge over the Chakki river collapsed in 2022, severing the route's traditional link and suspending services from Pathankot since then.
Sources close to the development have shared encouraging news, indicating that the bridge's reconstruction is now in its final stages and may be inaugurated soon. Repairs on the Chakki bridge are reportedly almost complete, and it is believed that following a final inspection, the bridge will be opened. This raises hopes that the historic line will fully reconnect Punjab with Himachal Pradesh's scenic Kangra Valley in the near future.
Before the bridge collapse, the trains covered a memorable journey of approximately 164 kilometers from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar, traversing the breathtaking sub-Himalayan region of the Kangra Valley. Adding to its prestige, this railway section has already been included in UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites, though it awaits final declaration.
The partial restart on December 5 is a positive sign for the preservation of this heritage transport system and for the local economy that depends on the tourists it attracts.
