Himachal Pradesh News
Chakki Bridge Inspection Boosts Hopes of Early Restoration of Kangra Valley Rail Services
The inspection of the newly constructed railway bridge over the Chakki rivulet at Kandwal in Nurpur by the General Manager of Northern Railways, Jammu, has raised hopes of an early resumption of train services from Pathankot railway station. Rail connectivity on this crucial route has remained disrupted since August 2022 after the old bridge was washed away during floods.
The inspection of the newly constructed railway bridge over the Chakki rivulet at Kandwal in Nurpur by the General Manager of Northern Railways, Jammu, has raised hopes of an early resumption of train services from Pathankot railway station. Rail connectivity on this crucial route has remained disrupted since August 2022 after the old bridge was washed away during floods.
The Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line is considered the lifeline of people living in remote rural areas of Kangra district, where bus services are limited and residents heavily depend on trains for daily commuting.
Northern Railways General Manager Ashok Verma inspected the interstate Chakki bridge on January 12 along with key railway stations at Nurpur Road, Talara and Jawalamukhi on the Kangra Valley Railway section. During the visit, he reviewed safety standards, assessed passenger amenities and explored possibilities for the modernisation of the historic narrow-gauge route.
Verma also carried out a detailed inspection of railway tracks, bridges and signalling systems along the section. While reviewing the Chakki bridge, he directed railway officials to expedite the remaining finishing work so that the bridge could be opened for the restoration of full train services from Pathankot. He stressed the need to ensure the structural strength and safety of tracks, particularly in hilly and landslide-prone areas.
According to Northern Railways sources, the newly built bridge is 560 metres long and consists of six piers and two abutments, constructed at a cost of Rs 78 crore. Although the bridge was expected to be opened by the end of November last year, the launch was delayed due to incomplete pathways, inspection stairs and protective works.
Before the old Chakki bridge was washed away in 2022, seven up-and-down passenger trains operated daily on the narrow-gauge line, catering to hundreds of passengers across Kangra district. After partial restoration, train services were limited to just two up-and-down trains between Nurpur and Baijnath.
Moreover, train operations on the Kangra Valley Railway remain suspended for nearly five months every year—from July to November—due to frequent landslides from fragile hills obstructing tracks at multiple locations. Rail services were suspended again on July 4 this year and are yet to be restored, leading to growing resentment among commuters.
The Kangra Valley Railway line serves nearly 40 lakh residents of the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh. Commuters have repeatedly demanded a permanent solution to landslides and track damage, emphasising the vital role of rail connectivity in the region’s daily life and economy.
