ZB-66 Steam Locomotive to Resume Tourist Joyrides from Pathankot
Northern Railways has announced the return of the ZB-66 steam locomotive, which will now offer short tourist joyrides from the Pathankot railway station. The locomotive, known for its silver smoke box, black chimney, and blue handrails, is a cherished symbol of the Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow gauge rail corridor.
Decommissioned in 2012, the ZB-66 had been a museum exhibit at the Rewari Heritage Shed after being moved from Northern Railway’s Amritsar workshop. Built in 1952 by WG Bagnall Ltd, the locomotive has a storied history dating back to the British era.
Historical Significance of the Kangra Railway Line
The Kangra railway line was first proposed in the 1910s by the British. In his budget speech, Chief Commissioner for Railways Clement Hindley highlighted its role in supporting the Uhl Hydro Electric Scheme while also boosting tourism to hill stations like Dalhousie and Dharamsala, and providing access to ancient Hindu shrines in Kangra.
The ZB-66 served as a lifeline for decades on the world’s longest 2-ft-6-inches gauge railway line, connecting Pathankot to Nagrota and later Jogindernagar. Although the plan to extend to Kullu never materialized, the train became essential for pilgrims visiting Jawalamukhi and Baijnath temples.
Astha Thakur, a Pathankot resident, recalls her grandparents’ stories: “They would take the train from Pathankot to Kangra. Their faces would light up when they shared vivid memories of the majestic bridges, the rivers, the temples by the wayside.”
Dishant Sapehia of Sujanpur added, “The railway station is a stone’s throw from the Baijnath temple. The rail route was a blessing for pilgrims.”
Restoration Journey of ZB-66
The ZB-66 served from the early 1950s to 2002 before falling into disrepair. Repairs at the Amritsar workshop in 2005 failed due to technical defects. A tender for restoration was issued in 2012-13, leading to four years of work addressing corroded parts. The locomotive steamed back to life in 2017 and was stationed at Rewari Heritage Shed for special runs, but a full return to service remained elusive until now.
Return to Pathankot and Operational Plans
The Pathankot-Baijnath-Jogindernagar line, non-operational for four years due to a collapsed British-era bridge near Chakki, resumed on June 2. Raghvinder, Public Relations Officer for Northern Railway Jammu Division, confirmed that a team of expert engineers reassembled the ZB-66 at Pathankot, and the engine is ready for return.
However, the locomotive will only be used for short, ceremonial tourist joyrides due to safety, sustainability, track requirements, and limited availability of older British-era parts. It will also serve as a “live attraction” at the station.
Atma Singh, who runs another heritage locomotive on the Bhakra-Nangal railways, noted, “At a time when we are constantly chasing speed, comfort and new technology, it is heartening to see old locomotives like the ZB-66 keeping the old era alive. Only a few drivers remain equipped to run such engines. It becomes a duty to keep the tradition going.”
Dishant Sapehia expressed excitement: “My father said the ride showed you a side of Himachal that few know of – uninterrupted views of the Dhauladhars, open rice fields, tunnels, stone bridges. If the ZB-66 can bring back that experience, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
