Kangra locals rail against inaction; train services still suspended

Residents of Kangra valley staged a protest against the Railways’ alleged failure to restore train services on the historic Pathankot-Jogindernagar line, which has remained suspended since the flash floods of July this year.

A large number of people from across the valley joined the demonstration, urging Railway authorities to act swiftly, now that the monsoon season is over, for the immediate resumption of services on the Nurpur-Jogindernagar stretch.

The railway line has been facing setbacks since the collapse of the Chakki river bridge in August 2022. While services were partially restored between Nurpur and Paprola, the July 2025 flash floods washed away several portions of the track, completely halting operations between Nurpur and Palampur.

Protesters accused the Railways of a “pick and choose” approach, pointing out that while the Shimla-Kalka heritage line received prompt restoration after flood damage, the Kangra valley line was left neglected. They emphasised that this narrow-gauge track, laid by the British in 1932, is not only a cultural treasure but also the economic backbone of the region, connecting 33 stations and several religious and tourist destinations such as Jwalamukhi, Kangra, Chamunda, Palampur, Baijnath and Jogindernagar.

Residents reiterated that before August 2022, seven trains ran daily on this line, serving hundreds of passengers and demanded that the government treat the Kangra valley rail with equal priority.