Kangra, Feb 12: The nearly century-old Pathankot–Joginder Nagar narrow gauge railway, a cornerstone of Himalayan engineering since the British era, is facing renewed calls for modernization as residents demand its conversion into a broad gauge track. Commissioned in 1926 to transport heavy machinery for the Shanan Hydel Power Project, the historic line now struggles with aging infrastructure and service disruptions that have impacted local connectivity for years.
The rail line, which traverses the scenic Kangra valley, has seen a significant decline in efficiency due to low operational speeds and frequent maintenance requirements. The situation worsened three years ago following the collapse of the Chakki bridge, which effectively halted regular services on the full stretch, leaving trains to operate only between Kangra and Joginder Nagar.
“The survey for expansion of this rail track into broad gauge has already been completed,” Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj said when discussing the future of the route. He mentioned that significant progress is being made to restore the link to its former capacity.
Addressing the immediate concerns regarding the bridge, the MP noted that a new structure over the Chakki river is nearing completion. He mentioned that once the necessary technical formalities are finalized, the bridge will be opened to traffic, allowing for the resumption of full services across the region.
“A new railway bridge on the Chakki river will be opened for the traffic soon after completion of the technical formalities. And as usual, seven trains will run on this track up and down before March this year,” Bhardwaj added.
The demand for a broad gauge upgrade is rooted in the potential to boost tourism and provide a more sustainable transport alternative for farmers and traders in Himachal Pradesh. Local stakeholders have noted that modernizing the infrastructure is essential to handle present-day transport needs, as the current narrow gauge system is limited in its carrying capacity.
Historians view the track as a vital piece of early 20th-century heritage, featuring intricate tunnels and bridges designed for mountainous terrain. Despite its historic status, the lack of a comprehensive upgrade plan has led to uncertainty about its long-term viability as it approaches its centenary year.
The MP’s assurance regarding the restoration of seven daily trains by March offers some relief to students and commuters who have relied on the affordable link between the plains and the hill areas for decades. He mentioned that the government is fully aware of the difficulties faced by the public due to the current operational limitations.
