Himachal Pradesh News
Northern Railway Inspects Subway Sites on Pathankot–Jogindernagar Line in Kangra After 50-Year Connectivity Issue
In a significant step toward improving rural connectivity, the Northern Railway has carried out a joint feasibility inspection of four proposed subway sites along the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line in Kangra district.
In a significant step toward improving rural connectivity, the Northern Railway has carried out a joint feasibility inspection of four proposed subway sites along the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line in Kangra district.
The inspection was led by the Deputy Chief Engineer of Northern Railway, along with officials from the Safety Department. The team visited key locations including Barial, Nandpur, Khabbal, and Ludret on Friday to assess the possibility of constructing low-height subways for local residents.
Senior officials from the state administration, including the SDM of Jawali, as well as teams from the Public Works Department (PWD) and Revenue Department, were also present during the inspection.
50-Year-Old Connectivity Problem
Residents of several villages in the Jawali and Dehra subdivisions have been facing severe mobility challenges for over five decades. The issue dates back to the early 1970s when the railway line was realigned following the construction of the Pong Dam, leaving many areas without proper crossing points.
As a result, locals have long struggled to safely cross the railway track, impacting daily commuting, access to services, and overall development.
Political Push Speeds Up Action
The matter gained momentum after Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Dehra MLA Kamlesh Kumari consistently raised concerns with railway authorities. They highlighted the hardships faced by the affected communities and pushed for a long-term solution.
What Happens Next?
According to Assistant Railway Engineer Subhash, the inspection aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of building underpasses at the identified locations. While three sites—Barial, Nandpur, and Khabbal—were jointly inspected, the Ludret site is expected to be reviewed separately.
Officials confirmed that the next step will be the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will outline the design, cost, and execution plan.
Safer Crossings with Modern Technology
The proposed subways will be constructed using RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) box technology. This modern approach ensures durability and provides a safe, seamless passage for residents on both sides of the railway line.
The inspection was conducted under the directions of the Chief Administrative Officer of the Construction–Road Safety Projects Unit of Northern Railway, signaling a strong push toward addressing long-pending infrastructure gaps in the region.
