Nearly four years after the suspension of services, Northern Railways has restored only two of the seven passenger trains on the historic Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line in Kangra district, leaving commuters grappling with severe overcrowding and daily inconvenience.
Overcrowding and Public Outcry
The limited restoration has resulted in packed trains at major stations, with passengers—including students, traders, employees, and patients traveling to Pathankot—struggling to board. Videos of overcrowded coaches and jostling passengers frequently circulate on social media, highlighting the growing public discontent.
Partial Restoration After Protests
Following sustained protests and demands from local residents, Northern Railways resumed two services earlier this month. The trains were formally flagged off from Kangra railway station on June 2 by Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, alongside local legislators. However, commuters say the move offers only partial relief. Furthermore, train operations from Pathankot are suspended every Friday, reducing services to six days a week.
Lifeline for Rural Kangra
Residents argue that the railway line remains a lifeline for large parts of rural Kangra, where bus connectivity is limited and irregular. Before the collapse of the interstate Chakki railway bridge near Kandwal in Nurpur in August 2022, Northern Railways operated seven pairs of passenger trains on the route. Services remained disrupted for years while the bridge over the Chakki rivulet was rebuilt.
Agitation Intensifies
The Kangra Valley Railway Sangharsh Samiti, leading a campaign for full restoration for over five months, has intensified its agitation. Last Saturday, members protested at Jawalamukhi Road railway station and submitted a memorandum to railway authorities demanding immediate resumption of all seven services. The samiti has warned of gheraoing the office of Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj at Jassur if demands are not met.
Rajesh Nandpuri, convener of the organisation, called the operation of only two trains between Pathankot and Baijnath six days a week a "mockery" of the aspirations of lakhs of residents dependent on the railway network. He also criticised both Kangra and Hamirpur MPs for allegedly remaining silent on the issue.
Demand for Full Restoration
Commuters and residents have urged the Ministry of Railways to restore all suspended train services at the earliest, stating that the Kangra Valley Railway remains one of the most affordable and vital modes of transport for thousands across the region.
