Dharamshal/Shimla: In a boost to rail connectivity and heritage tourism in Himachal Pradesh, former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur announced that the crucial Chakki bridge on the Kangra Valley Railway line has been fully reconstructed, clearing the way for the restoration of train services across the entire stretch.
The bridge—identified as Bridge No. 32 over the Chakki rivulet—had been washed away in the devastating rains of August 2022, snapping the vital narrow-gauge rail link between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar.
Responding to a question raised by Thakur in Parliament, the Ministry of Railways confirmed that reconstruction work has now been completed and the track declared फिट for full operations.
With this, the iconic Kangra Valley Railway—known for its breathtaking journey through the Dhauladhar ranges, pine forests, terraced fields, and temple-dotted hillsides—is set to resume seamless services along the entire route.
Persistent Push Pays Off
Thakur, who has consistently pursued the issue, said he remained in constant touch with railway authorities, including the General Manager of Northern Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager of Jammu Division, to fast-track the project.
His sustained advocacy ensured that the reconstruction remained a priority and was completed within a reasonable timeframe.
UNESCO Tentative Tag: A Big Leap
In a parallel development, the Ministry of Railways informed Parliament that the Kangra Valley Railway has been included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as an extension of the “Mountain Railways of India.”
This places it alongside iconic heritage रेल lines like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka-Shimla Railway, and Nilgiri Mountain Railway—all of which already enjoy full World Heritage status.
The tentative listing is the first formal step toward full UNESCO inscription and is expected to significantly boost heritage tourism in Himachal Pradesh. After the Kalka-Shimla Railway earned the prestigious global tag, the inclusion of the Kangra Valley line adds another feather in the state’s tourism cap.
“Connectivity, Tourism, Livelihoods”
Expressing satisfaction, Thakur credited Narendra Modi for accelerating railway expansion in the hill state over the past decade.
“The restoration of Chakki bridge and resumption of full train services is just the beginning. Our goal is to secure full UNESCO World Heritage status for the Kangra Valley Railway, which will put Himachal firmly on the global heritage tourism map and generate livelihoods for thousands,” he said.
Services Resume, Expansion Ahead
At present, three pairs of passenger trains are operational on sections of the line, including services between Baijnath Paprola, Kangra, and Joginder Nagar. With the track now fully restored, the number of services is expected to increase, benefiting commuters, traders, pilgrims, and tourists across the region.
Looking ahead, the Railways has also sanctioned a survey to convert the approximately 200-km Pathankot–Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge line into broad gauge. A detailed project report (DPR) is currently under preparation following field surveys.
