MP Rajiv Bhardwaj Meets Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw; Raises Key Railway Issues of Kangra–Chamba Constituency

Dharamshala, March 27, 2026: Dr. Rajiv Bharadwaj, Member of Parliament from the Kangra–Chamba constituency, paid a courtesy visit to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Friday and held detailed discussions on several key railway-related issues concerning the region.

During the meeting, Dr. Bharadwaj strongly urged the early restoration of train services between Pathankot and Jogindernagar. The historic narrow-gauge line has remained non-operational for nearly three years after the Chakki Bridge was washed away. Responding positively, the Railway Minister assured that train services from Pathankot to Jogindernagar would be resumed in the near future.

Highlighting the strategic and heritage importance of the railway line, Dr. Bharadwaj also emphasized the long-pending demand for its conversion to broad gauge. Originally constructed in 1929 during the British era, the line has seen repeated demands for up gradation. The MP reaffirmed his commitment to actively pursue this conversion.

He further pointed out that, apart from the 67-kilometre broad-gauge line between Nangal and Daulatpur, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed limited expansion of its railway network, even as significant progress has been made in regions such as Kashmir and the North-East.

On the proposal for converting the Pathankot–Jogindernagar track to broad gauge, the Minister informed that necessary departmental directions would be issued shortly to complete formalities, adding that the survey for the project has already been conducted.

Dr. Bharadwaj also reiterated his demand to extend railway connectivity to the Chamba region. The Railway Minister assured that a survey for this proposed expansion would be initiated at the earliest.

The meeting also covered the resumption of the Vande Bharat Express service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and New Delhi , Pathankot Cantt had been a key stop on this route, but the service was suspended following last year’s monsoon disruptions. The MP requested its early reinstatement.

Additionally, Dr. Bharadwaj urged the Minister to enhance rail connectivity to major religious destinations in the Kangra region, including Maa Jwalaji, Maa Chamunda, Maa Brajeshwari, and Maa Baglamukhi, by linking them with the Amb-Andora and Daulatpur railway lines. The Minister assured that the matter would be examined and appropriate action taken.

Dr. Bharadwaj stated that he remains committed to ensuring comprehensive development and strengthening of railway infrastructure across the Kangra–Chamba parliamentary constituency.