Jammu DRM inspects construction of interstate Chakki railway bridge

Vivek Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Jammu division, inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the interstate Chakki railway bridge on the Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway track at Kandwal in Nurpur last evening. The bridge had suffered extensive damage in July 2022 when flash floods in the Chakki rivulet washed away most of its pillars, leading to the suspension of train services between Pathankot and Nurpur railway stations.

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"Approximately 80 per cent of the bridge reconstruction has been completed, with full completion expected by the end of April. Once the bridge is ready, all suspended train services on the Pathankot-Jogindernagar route will be restored, with the Jammu railway division likely to resume operations in May this year."

Vivek Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu division

Following the bridge inspection, the DRM also examined train coaches stationed in the Nurpur railway yard. He directed railway personnel to ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of the coaches.

Speaking to the media, the DRM stated that approximately 80 per cent of the bridge reconstruction has been completed, with full completion expected by the end of April. He confirmed that once the bridge is ready, all suspended train services on the Pathankot-Jogindernagar route will be restored, with the Jammu railway division likely to resume operations in May this year.

The reconstruction project began in May 2023 but progressed slowly in its initial stages. However, following public protests, the railway department’s construction company expedited the work last year. Initially, the department had set a target to complete the bridge by March, but delays pushed the timeline further. Notably, the Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway was recently transferred from the Ferozepur railway division to the Jammu railway division, reportedly accelerating the project’s progress.

It is worth mentioning that after a three-month suspension due to landslides triggered by torrential rains, partial train services resumed on September 25, 2024. Two pairs of trains (up and down) now operate between Nurpur Road and Baijnath railway stations. This railway line is considered a lifeline for commuters from rural areas in Kangra district, where bus services are limited.