Himachal CM flags off express train between Paprola and Pathankot

Dharamshala, February 6, 2019: Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today flagged off an express train number 52476 at Paprola railway station in Kangra district to run between between Pathankot and Paprola (Baijnath) of Kangra valley narrow gauge track. This is the first train of its kind in the area, whose advance booking is available online on Indian railway network. The Chief Minister had raised the issue of speeding of trains on Pathankot-Jogindranagar and Kalka-Shimla railway tracks along with Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal during a meeting in Shimla on December 1, 2018. Addressing the public meeting on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that this express service will not only help in the movement of the local people but also encourages tourists to visit this area. He said that now the express train will cover the distance between (Baijnath )Paprola and Pathankot in 5 hours and 5 minutes, whereas earlier it took about 7.15 hours to cover the distance. He said that this will make the journey of the train more attractive and enjoyable. He said that this will make the journey of the train more attractive and enjoyable. Jai Ram Thakur said that this railway track came into existence in 1929 and after 90 years, the time between Pathankot and Baijnath has been reduced now by about two and a half hours. The Chief Minister said that the Ferozepur Railway Region has created this four coach express trains, which include a first-class chair car, two general service coaches and a general-guard van, later more coaches shall be attached to it . He said that this train will have stoppages at Palampur, Nagrota, Kangra and Jawalamukhi road railway stations. Jai Ram Thakur said , “WiFi facility has been provided to all the major stations on this track for the convenience of passengers. The consultation work has been handed over to provide Kangra station , a heritage look, and it shall be completed by March 10, 2019. A steam engine train is made operative for children ride between Palampur and Baijnath.” He said that the website of Kangra Valley Railway for the convenience of passengers will also be started soon. On this occasion Divisional Manager of Ferozepur Vivek Kumar welcomed the Chief Minister on his arrival from Shimla to flag off the train. The other dignitaries present were Food and Civil Supplies Minister Kisan Kapoor, Health Minister Vipin Parmar, MP Ram Swaroop Sharma, MLA Ravindra Kumar, Arun Kumar and Prakash Rana, former MLA Dulo Ram, Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Kundu and Deputy Commissioner Kangra Sandeep Kumar .