Pathankot–Jogindernagar Rail Service Restored After Nearly Four Years
Kangra, June 2: The historic Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway service has been fully restored after nearly four years of disruption. Train operations resumed on June 2 following the completion of a new railway bridge over the Chakki River, which had been damaged during severe floods in August 2023.
The new bridge, constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹70 crore, underwent necessary safety inspections before being opened for public use. The restoration marks a significant milestone for rail connectivity in Himachal Pradesh.
When the train from Pathankot reached Kangra Railway Station on Tuesday morning, former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur flagged it off in the presence of Kangra-Chamba MP Rajeev Bhardwaj.
Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Thakur described the resumption of services as a matter of great satisfaction for the people of the region. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, railway infrastructure development in Himachal Pradesh has gained significant momentum over the past 12 years.
Thakur noted that the collapse of the Chakki River railway bridge had severely affected rail connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. He said the demand for reconstruction was strongly raised before the central government, following which the Ministry of Railways initiated the project and completed the bridge using modern engineering techniques.
He added that the restoration of rail services would boost tourism, strengthen the local economy, and improve transportation facilities for residents and visitors alike. Thakur also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their support in rebuilding the railway infrastructure.
Highlighting future development plans, Thakur said the Central Budget 2026–27 has allocated ₹2,911 crore for railway network expansion, modernization, safety projects, and electrification in Himachal Pradesh. He further claimed that the pace of railway development in the state during the last 12 years has exceeded that of previous decades.
Key Highlights
Pathankot–Jogindernagar rail service resumes after nearly four years.
New Chakki River railway bridge constructed at a cost of approximately ₹70 crore.
Train flagged off at Kangra Railway Station by Anurag Thakur.
Restoration expected to boost tourism and local economic activity.
₹2,911 crore allocated for railway development projects in Himachal Pradesh in Budget 2026–27.