The train services on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar railway line resumed on Tuesday after a halt of nearly four years, restoring a crucial transport lifeline for thousands of people in Kangra and adjoining regions. The resumption of services was greeted with enthusiasm across the region, with passengers expressing excitement on the first day of operations.
Many highlighted the significant savings offered by rail travel, noting that while a bus journey to Jogindernagar costs around Rs 392, the train fare is only about Rs 40 per passenger. Around 60 passengers travelled on the route on Tuesday.
Two seven-coach trains departed from Pathankot City Narrow-Gauge Railway Station on Tuesday morning. Train No. 62465 left at 5 am, followed by Train No. 52467 at 7 am. Services from the Himachal Pradesh side began at 8.30 am from Kangra Railway Station.
Rail operations on the historic route had remained suspended since August 2023 after devastating floods damaged a major portion of the Chakki Railway Bridge on the Punjab–Himachal Pradesh border, severing connectivity and bringing train movement to a complete halt.
To restore the link, the Railways Ministry undertook reconstruction work on a war footing and built a new state-of-the-art railway bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore. Following extensive track inspections and successful trial runs by senior railway officials, regular services have now resumed.
The restored rail service was formally inaugurated by Hamirpur MP and former Union minister Anurag Thakur, who flagged off the train on Tuesday.
Addressing the gathering, Thakur acknowledged that the restoration had taken longer than expected but said the issue was consistently pursued with the Central government and the Ministry of Railways.
"This railway line is not merely a mode of transport for the people of the hill regions-it is their lifeline," he said, adding that continuous efforts were made to ensure its early restoration.
Thakur also said that the Central government is exploring the possibility of converting the narrow-gauge route into a broad-gauge railway line.
The resumption of services has generated widespread enthusiasm in Kangra, Nurpur, Jawalamukhi, Palampur and surrounding areas. Residents believe the restored rail link will provide affordable and convenient transportation while boosting tourism, trade and economic activity across the region.
Locals expressed gratitude to the Central government, the Railway Department and public representatives for restoring the service.
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