Kangra Valley Railway: Engine Trial Set for Sept 29
The restoration efforts for the iconic Pathankot-Jogindernagar line are gaining momentum, with a critical Kangra Valley Railway trial scheduled to take place on September 29, 2026. This engine test is a vital step in evaluating the technical integrity of the tracks, which have been out of service for over a month following extensive damage caused by the monsoon season.
Assessing Track Stability After Monsoon Damage
The Kangra Valley Railway has faced a difficult period recently. Although regular services had successfully resumed on June 2, 2026—providing relief after the major 2022 Chakki bridge repairs—the heavy monsoon rains have once again disrupted operations. The rains led to significant debris accumulation and damage at various points along the route.
While railway officials have managed to complete necessary repairs in the section near Talara, other parts of the line remain under scrutiny. The technical condition of the track must be thoroughly vetted to ensure passenger safety before full operations can return.
Key Vulnerabilities and Upcoming Inspections
Despite the ongoing work, certain areas of the track remain high-risk zones due to the local geography. Officials are particularly concerned about:
- Frequent rockfalls and boulder slides near Jwalamukhi.
- Ongoing stability issues in the Kopar Lahar area.
To address these concerns, a high-level joint inspection is planned for October 2, 2026. Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj, the Member of Parliament for Kangra-Chamba, will join Vivek Kumar, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Northern Railway’s Jammu Division, to conduct a comprehensive review of the line's condition.
When Will Trains Run Again?
For local commuters and travelers, the big question remains: when will regular services resume? According to the DRM, the exact timeline for the return of scheduled trains will only be determined after two major milestones are completed:
- The successful execution of the engine trial on September 29.
- The detailed joint inspection by the MP and railway officials on October 2.
The Kangra Valley Railway Sang