The historic Kangra Valley Railway has now finally started running again after being closed for almost four years.
The train services on Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow gauge route resumed on Tuesday and this has brought a major relief to thousands of people who depended on this railway for travel and connectivity.
The railway service had remained suspended since August 2022 after Chakki railway bridge collapsed during heavy floods and bridge located near Himachal Pradesh-Punjab border was very badly damaged that lead railway authorities to stop train operations on route.
The return of train services was marked by a special event at Kangra railway station.
Hamirpur MP and former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and Kangra MP Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj flagged off the train anf the event was also attended by Kangra MLA Pawan Kajal, Nurpur MLA Ranbir Singh Nikka, Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar, railway officials and some of the local residents.
Many people gathered at the station to witness return of train service which has been an important part of the region for decades and the Kangra Valley Railway is known not only for its historical importance but also for its role in connecting villages and towns across Kangra and Mandi districts.
The railway line is considered a lifeline for many people living in rural areas as it helps residents travel for work, education, healthcare and daily needs and the resumption of services is expected to make transportation easier and more convenient for local communities and along with this the railway is also one of India's most scenic train routes as it passes through beautiful landscapes, green valleys, hills and several tourist attractions so because of this the return of train services is expected to give a major boost to tourism in Kangra Valley region.
The return of Kangra Valley Railway has been welcomed by local residents, traders and people connected to tourism industry and many had been waiting for railway service to restart since it was suspended after 2022 floods so now with trains running again the historic railway line is expected to improve travel, support local businesses and attract more visitors to one of Himachal Pradesh's most beautiful regions.
