Kangra Valley Rail Service: Restoration work completed and partial services resumed
The historic narrow-gauge railway in Himachal Pradesh is slowly coming back to life. After years of disruption caused by landslides and rain, the Northern Railway has started partial operations. The critical Bridge No. 32 over Chakki Khad, which was washed away in 2022, has now been reconstructed.
What is the current status of train services?
Currently, full direct services from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar are not yet operational. However, limited shuttle services are running. These include two pairs of trains between Baijnath Paprola and Kangra, and one pair between Baijnath Paprola and Joginder Nagar. While the government stated in Parliament that the track is fit for operations, the full timetable for the entire stretch is still awaited.
What are the future plans for the Kangra Valley line?
The Indian Railways is looking at long-term upgrades for this historic route. A field survey for a Detailed Project Report has been started to convert the 200-km Pathankot-Joginder Nagar line to a broader gauge. Additionally, this railway line has been included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as an extension to the Mountain Railways of India.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bridge Status | Bridge No. 32 (Chakki Bridge) reconstructed |
| Partial Start Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Current Routes | Paprola-Kangra and Baijnath-Paprola |
| Future Upgrade | Gauge conversion survey initiated |
| Special Status | UNESCO World Heritage tentative list |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Pathankot to Joginder Nagar direct train running?
No, direct services are currently suspended. Only limited shuttle services are operating between Baijnath Paprola, Kangra, and Joginder Nagar.
Why was the Kangra Valley Rail service stopped?
The service was disrupted due to heavy rains and landslides, specifically the washing away of Bridge No. 32 over Chakki Khad in August 2022.