Himachal: Kangra valley trains put on six-day schedule
Passengers traveling on the historic Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line will now need to plan their journeys according to a revised timetable, as the Ministry of Railways has decided to suspend train services on this route every Friday to facilitate maintenance and safety-related work.
This decision comes just days after train services on the Kangra Valley Railway resumed on June 2 following a hiatus of nearly four years. The resumption of services had generated considerable excitement among locals, tourists, and railway enthusiasts, who viewed it as a significant boost to regional connectivity.
Under the new arrangement, train services will operate six days a week, with Fridays specifically set aside for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of railway infrastructure. Railway officials stated that this measure aims to ensure safe and efficient operations on this heritage route, which traverses challenging terrain featuring numerous bridges, tunnels, and hilly stretches.
According to railway officials, two trains will run daily between Pathankot and Jogindernagar from Saturday to Thursday. However, no passenger services will operate on Fridays, allowing engineering teams uninterrupted access to the tracks for maintenance work.
Officials emphasize that regular upkeep of the line is essential for passenger safety and the long-term preservation of this century-old railway.
A railway official remarked, “Designating a specific day for maintenance will enable railway staff to carry out inspections and repairs more effectively, thereby enhancing operational safety.”
However, many residents of the Kangra Valley are unhappy with this decision. Daily commuters, students, and office-goers who rely on the railway for affordable transport fear that the weekly suspension of services will cause inconvenience, particularly in areas with limited public transport alternatives.
Many passengers have suggested that maintenance work could be scheduled in a way that allows at least one train service to operate on Fridays. They argue that suspending services for the entire day every week could adversely affect those traveling for work, education, medical treatment, and other essential purposes.
Locals have also criticized this move; some have questioned the point of relaunching services with such fanfare on June 2 if operations were to be curtailed shortly thereafter. They have also raised questions regarding the maintenance and restoration work carried out during the four-year closure following the collapse of the Chakki railway bridge near Pathankot. Officials from the Jammu Railway Division told ‘The Tribune’ that the new schedule has been implemented due to technical and operational requirements. They emphasized that passenger safety is paramount and assured the public that train services would continue to operate normally on all days except Fridays.
Railway enthusiasts and local residents have appealed to the central government and railway officials to enhance services on this heritage line rather than curtailing them. They pointed out that the Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway is not only a vital mode of transport for thousands of residents but also serves as a key tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh.
