Rail connectivity in Himachal Pradesh received a major boost on Tuesday as the historic Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge train service officially resumed operations. The restored heritage service was flagged off by former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur, alongside Kangra MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, marking the end of a prolonged transit disruption for the region.
Passenger services on the iconic line had been suspended for nearly four years—totaling 1,385 days—after catastrophic floods severely damaged the Chakki railway bridge in 2022. The revival was made possible through the construction of a brand-new bridge, a project completed at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore. Speaking at the event, Thakur emphasized that the restored line would act as a major catalyst for the local economy by boosting tourism, improving daily connectivity, and supporting local livelihoods.
Thakur also reiterated the Central Government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure in the hill state, pointing to the substantial Rs 2,911 crore railway allocation designated for Himachal Pradesh in the Union Budget 2026-27.
The 164-km Kangra Valley Railway is a century-old heritage line currently featured on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list. With the tracks open once again, the railway is expected to breathe new life into tourism and economic activities across key regional hubs, including Kangra, Dharamshala, and Palampur.
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