Restore Pathankot-Jogindernagar train services: MP writes to Railway Minister

Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma on Saturday urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure the complete restoration of train services on the historic Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line. He said that the prolonged disruption of train services on this route had caused hardships to local residents, commuters and tourists. In a letter written to the Railway Minister, Sharma said that the rail traffic on this narrow-gauge route was suspended after a bridge on the Chakki rivulet in Nurpur collapsed during heavy rains on August 20, 2022. Since then, thousands of people dependent on the railways had been facing hardships in the absence of regular train services.

He said that though the damaged bridge was reconstructed six months ago, but full train services have not yet resumed. He added that the railway track, engines and coaches had already undergone the required fitness inspections but still direct train services had not been resumed between Pathankot and Jogindernagar in Mandi district. At present, only two pairs of trains are operating between Kangra and Jogindernagar but there is no direct train service between Pathankot and Jogindernagar.

Sharma said limited trains services were insufficient to meet the needs of passengers and urged Vaishnaw to restore services on the entire Pathankot-Jogindernagar route without delay.

The MP said that the Kangra valley railway line was the lifeline for many remote villages situated along the route. A large number of local residents depended on the train services for travel, trade, education and access to healthcare facilities. Students and daily commuters had been among the worst affected by the disruption in train services.

Sharma stressed that the rail line was important for tourism and pilgrimage in Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of visitors travelling to famous temples and scenic destinations in the Kangra valley preferred the heritage railway route for its convenience and natural beauty.

Sharma expressed hope that the Railway Ministry would take immediate steps to restart full services on this route to provide relief to the public and also boost tourism and economic activity in the region.

The Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line, known for its picturesque landscape and engineering heritage, is one of the most significant narrow-gauge rail routes in North India. Local residents and public representatives have repeatedly demanded its early restoration.