The historic Pathankot-Joginder Nagar narrow gauge rail service returned to the tracks on June 2, 2026. This service was stopped in August 2022 after the Chakki railway bridge collapsed during floods. The restoration will help local passengers and tourists visiting the Kangra Valley.
Who flagged off the train and what are the details
The train was flagged off from Kangra Railway Station at 8:45 AM on Tuesday. MP Anurag Thakur and MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj led the ceremony along with MLA Pawan Kajal and MLA Ranbir Singh Nikka. The Northern Railway completed the work after successful trial runs and safety clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
Route details and investment in infrastructure
Initially, two pairs of trains will run between Pathankot and Baijnath Paprola. The project involved rebuilding the Chakki railway bridge (Bridge No. 232) at a cost of about ₹70 crore. The government also allocated ₹2,911 crore for various railway projects in Himachal Pradesh for the 2026-27 period.
| Key Station Stops | Project Cost (Bridge) | Service Resume Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dalhousie Road, Nurpur Road, Jwalamukhi Road, Kangra, Palampur, Panchrukhi | ₹70 Crore | June 2, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar train service stopped?
The service was suspended in August 2022 because the Chakki railway bridge collapsed due to heavy floods.
Which stations are covered in the restored route?
The trains will operate between Pathankot and Baijnath Paprola, covering stations like Nurpur Road, Jwalamukhi Road, Kangra, and Palampur.