Demand to restore Chakki bridge flagged
Deepak Bhardwaj, a resident of Ward No. 5 in Nurpur and a member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), highlighted key issues faced by residents and railway commuters of Kangra district during the committee’s 127th meeting held in Delhi.
Speaking to The Tribune, Bhardwaj emphasised the urgent need to upgrade the 120-km-long Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow gauge Kangra Valley Railway (KVR) line. Laid in 1932 during British rule, the track connects major towns and religious sites in Kangra and parts of Mandi district. Despite its historical and strategic importance, the line remains outdated and poorly maintained, lacking basic modern facilities for tourists and daily commuters.
Bhardwaj stressed the necessity of enhancing infrastructure, safety, and commuter amenities along the railway line. He also demanded the swift reconstruction of the interstate Chakki railway bridge near Kandwal in Nurpur, which collapsed in August 2022. The reconstruction began in May 2023, and during a March 2025 inspection, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Jammu Division assured completion by April-end with full restoration of train services on the route in May.
Another crucial demand raised was the construction of a Limited Height Subway at Chhatrolli (between Pathankot and Nurpur Road stations), aimed at easing local transportation for rural residents.
The Kangra Valley Railway has long served as a lifeline for the region, but frequent disruptions in service have deeply inconvenienced commuters. While several proposals to convert the line into broad gauge have been announced over the years, they have remained on paper. Most of the existing infrastructure is deteriorated and urgently requires attention.
Currently, only two pairs of passenger trains operate between Nurpur Road and Paprola stations, whereas seven used to run before the Chakki bridge collapsed. Locals are pressing for the immediate restoration of all suspended train services, citing larger public interest and daily commuting needs.
Bhardwaj’s intervention aims to push authorities into taking concrete action toward revitalizing the railway line and addressing the long-standing demands of the Kangra region.
