Rajya Sabha MP Warns of Agitation Over Delay in Kangra Valley Rail Services

Dharamshala, May 5, 2026: Rajya Sabha MP and Congress leader Anurag Sharma has warned the Central Government and the Ministry of Railways of a mass agitation if rail services in the Kangra Valley are not fully restored within 10 days.
Addressing a protest organised by the Rail Bahali Sangharsh Samiti at Jwalamukhi Road–Ranital railway station on Tuesday, Sharma said the continued suspension of train operations on the Pathankot–Joginder Nagar line for nearly four years has caused significant hardship to residents.
He stated that the Railways had conducted multiple inspections of tracks, rolling stock and the Chakki bridge, and declared them fit for operations. “Despite these clearances, services have not resumed, which is difficult to understand,” he said.
Highlighting the historical and economic importance of the Kangra Valley Railway, Sharma noted that the line, built during the British era, serves as a crucial transport link for Kangra and Mandi districts. It also connects the region with the national rail network and supports tourism and pilgrimage travel.
The MP urged the Railways to resolve operational issues at Pathankot through alternative arrangements, rather than diverting services towards Dalhousie Road, as speculated. He also cautioned against citing the upcoming monsoon season as a reason for further delays.
The prolonged suspension has adversely affected local livelihoods, particularly roadside vendors, eatery owners and taxi operators. Although the Chakki river bridge—damaged in the 2022 floods—has been reconstructed and trial runs were successfully conducted on February 24, 2026, regular services have not resumed.
A timetable issued for resumption from March 10, 2026, was later withdrawn without explanation. At present, limited shuttle services are operating between Paprola–Kangra and Baijnath–Paprola, while full services between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar remain suspended.
Sharma also pointed out that six of Himachal Pradesh’s seven MPs from the BJP have raised the issue with the Railways, but no concrete outcome has followed.
Meanwhile, members of the Rail Bahali Sangharsh Samiti are preparing to file a public interest litigation in the High Court seeking restoration of full rail services.
The 164-km Kangra Valley Railway, commissioned in 1929, is known for its scenic alignment along the Dhauladhar range and remains a key lifeline for transportation and tourism in the region.
Separately, the Ministry of Railways has initiated a field survey for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to convert the Pathankot–Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge line into broad gauge. Responding to queries by former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the survey is aimed at infrastructure upgradation, improved connectivity and boosting tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
The proposed conversion project is expected to modernise the line and enhance connectivity across Kangra and Mandi districts. Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj has also raised concerns regarding the delay in restoration of services  and gauge conversion on multiple occasions in Parliament.