The Railway Ministry has announced that all train services on the Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge line will remain suspended every Friday. This decision comes to allow essential maintenance and safety repairs on the heritage route. The trains will now operate six days a week, from Saturday to Thursday.
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Why are trains suspended every Friday?
Railway officials stated that the century-old route passes through difficult hilly terrain with many bridges and tunnels. A dedicated maintenance day is necessary to carry out inspections and repair works. This will help in ensuring the safety of passengers and the efficiency of the railway infrastructure.
What is the status of the Kangra Valley Railway?
The full line connecting Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh resumed operations on June 2, 2026. This happened after the Chakki railway bridge was reconstructed at a cost of ₹70 crore following flood damage in 2022. The restored services were inaugurated by MP Anurag Singh Thakur and MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj.
Impact on Nurpur Road and Baijnath section
The maintenance schedule applies to the entire section, including the Nurpur Road-Baijnath stretch. While services here had previously faced disruptions due to landslides near Ranital, the general Friday halt is now a standard rule for all narrow-gauge passenger trains in the valley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which days will the Kangra Valley trains operate?
The trains will operate six days a week, from Saturday to Thursday. Every Friday is reserved for track maintenance and safety inspections.
Why was the railway service suspended for nearly four years?
The service was suspended due to severe damage to the Chakki railway bridge caused by monsoon floods in August 2022. The bridge was later rebuilt at a cost of ₹70 crore.