(Image source from: infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com)
After a long break that kept one of the beautiful train routes in Himachal Pradesh quiet, the Kangra Valley Railway has restarted its services, bringing back a beloved way to travel in the lower Himalayas. The old narrow-gauge railway, which links Pathankot in Punjab with Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh, started operating again on Tuesday. This news has brought joy and relief to both locals and visitors eager to experience this hidden mountain trip again. The historic train line had been closed for close to four years after severe damage from the monsoons in 2022 halted its operations. Reports indicate that this restart is a major step in re-establishing train connections between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, while also reopening a unique travel route famous for its beautiful scenery. The Kangra Valley Railway covers about 164 kilometers and holds the title of being Himachal's longest toy train.
The return of the trains has been positively received in towns like Kangra, Nurpur, Jawalamukhi, and Palampur. For many residents, this railway is not just a pretty journey but an important and affordable way to travel. Passengers have noted the big difference in costs between taking a bus and a train. According to reports, a bus ride to Jogindernagar can cost around Rs 392, while a train ticket is about Rs 40 per person, which makes the train a much cheaper option. The renewed service is expected to help both everyday commuters and tourists visiting the area. Train operations on the Kangra Valley Railway were stopped during the 2022 monsoon when the railway bridge over the Chakki River suffered significant damage from strong waters. This disruption cut off direct train access between various areas of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, impacting travel and local movement.
The reopened railway line was officially launched by Hamirpur MP and former Union minister Anurag Thakur, along with Rajya Sabha MP Rajiv Bhardwaj, who started the service from Kangra railway station. On the first day back in service, two trains with seven coaches each left Pathankot City Narrow Gauge railway station in the morning. Train No. 62465 departed at 5 am, while Train No. 52467 followed at 7 am. From the Himachal side, operations commenced at 8:30 am from Kangra railway station, restoring important connections along the route. The Kangra Valley Railway provides a relaxed ride through various landscapes, including plains, valleys, and the foothills of mountains. Opened in 1929 during British colonial rule, this line links several culturally and geographically important places, such as the temple towns of Jawalamukhi and Baijnath, as well as popular tourist locations like Palampur. Along the way, the train travels next to the Pong Dam reservoir on the Beas River, goes through tea gardens and little villages, and gradually heads toward the stunning Dhauladhar mountain range.
Although Himachal Pradesh is mainly recognized for the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, the Kangra Valley line provides a quieter, more engaging experience. Instead of the steep climbs and tunnels present in the Shimla route, this railway takes a gentler course through rolling hills, offering constantly changing views that include fields, streams, distant villages, and historic market towns. The line crosses over 900 bridges but features relatively few tunnels, providing clear sights of the surrounding landscape. Even though it is not as famous as the Shimla Toy Train, it has always had a devoted following among train fans. With services now operating again, the Kangra Valley Railway gives travellers a new reason to discover Himachal Pradesh beyond its busier spots. This is particularly timely for those planning visits during or after the monsoon season, when the scenery becomes lush and lively.
For those looking for a slower, more scenic option compared to traditional hill travel, the reopened toy train route offers an attractive journey through one of northern India's most beautiful and lesser-known areas.
