Vaishnaw: Survey underway for upgrade of Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line

The Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line, often hailed as a “heritage marvel” of Kangra district, is on the cusp of a major transformation. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that a survey for converting the track to broad gauge has begun and a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared.

To a question of Rajya Sabha MP Indu Bala Goswami recently, Vaishnaw said that the DPR would be shared with the Himachal Pradesh Government for feedback before seeking clearances from the NITI Aayog and the Union Ministry of Finance.

The questions have also been raised over the possibility of extending the railway line to Mandi. Vaishnaw clarified that such decisions were based on economic viability, projected passenger and freight traffic, operational needs and socio-economic benefits such as linking religious and tourist hubs.

At present, the 164-km Pathankot-Jogindernagar route is India’s longest 2 feet 6 inch (762 mm) narrow-gauge line and among the longest in the world. Built between 1926 and 1928 during the British era, it moves through 950 bridges, two tunnels and nearly 500 curves, offering a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges and the Kangra valley. For nearly a century, it has been both a vital transport link for more than 30 lakh residents, besides a tourist attraction.

In April 2025, on World Heritage Day, the railway stations at Pathankot, Kangra and Palampur displayed vintage artefacts, including signal lanterns, gate lamps and original station records, drawing crowds of heritage enthusiasts.

Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj has also pushed for the conversion of the railway line to broad-gauge line stating that it would increase passenger capacity, speed up freight operations and integrate the valley into the national rail network more closely.

The narrow-gauge line’s declining condition has also made the case for the change stronger. The Chakki bridge, a vital link, was washed away in flashfloods three years ago and has not been reconstructed so far. Several other bridges and retaining walls have weakened, while poor maintenance has worsened track conditions.

In recent years, frequent landslides, collapsed bridges and soil erosion have forced prolonged service suspensions, disrupting life in the valley and forcing commuters to travel by bus and in private vehicles.