Pathankot-Jogindernagar Rail Service likely to resume after October 11
Kangra, Oct 7,
Train services on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway section, an important transport link for Kangra Valley and a major tourist attraction, are likely to resume after October 11 following an intensive safety inspection by the Jammu Division of Northern Railway.
A senior railway team led by Jammu Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar inspected the narrow-gauge section, with Kangra MP Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj also participating in the inspection.
The inspection covered Nurpur Road and Jawalamukhi Road railway stations, with officials reviewing passenger amenities, drinking water facilities, cleanliness, safety arrangements and other station infrastructure.
Particular attention was given to the Bathu Railway Bridge No. 388, an important engineering structure on the narrow-gauge route. The DRM and the MP inspected the bridge’s structural condition, track fitness, approaches, bearings and other safety parameters, informed Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector, Jammu Division
He said that a detailed trolley inspection was also carried out from Bathu Bridge No. 388 to KM 84/7-8, covering the condition of tracks, sleepers, rail joints, curves and signalling arrangements.
During the inspection, railway officials were directed to ensure that safety standards were not compromised. The inspection comes after train operations on the section were controlled as a precautionary measure during the monsoon, stated Singh.
Also read: Chakki Bridge collapse halts Heritage rail, raising questions on preservation and priorities
Train operations are likely to resume after October 11, providing relief to residents of Kangra Valley and visitors travelling to Jawalamukhi Temple during Navratri, confirmed the Public relations inspector.
Noteworthy The Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway, popularly associated with the heritage rail network of the Kangra Valley, remains an important passenger link as well as a tourism attraction in Himachal Pradesh. The narrow-gauge services have faced repeated disruptions during the 2026 monsoon. After being restored on June 2 following the prolonged closure caused by damage to the Chakki railway bridge, services were suspended again on July 21 amid heavy rains and landslide concerns and briefly resumed on July 31. Operations were subsequently affected again by heavy rainfall and damage at several locations, including around Jawalamukhi, leaving the section under repeated disruption. The latest safety inspection perhaps, is aimed at ensuring that the track and associated infrastructure are fit for the safe resumption of services.
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