DHARAMSHALA: The 200-kilometre-long Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line, a heritage marvel of the Kangra Valley, is one step closer to modernization. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed Rajya Sabha MP Indu Bala Goswami that survey work for converting the line into broad gauge is currently underway.
The minister said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared and, once completed, will be shared with the Himachal Pradesh government for inputs and cooperation. The project will then require clearances from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance before receiving final approval.
Responding to a query by MP Goswami regarding the extension of the railway line to Mandi, Vaishnaw clarified that such projects are evaluated on multiple parameters, including economic viability, passenger and freight traffic estimates, state government and MPs’ demands, operational needs, and socio-economic benefits such as connecting key religious and tourist destinations.
The Pathankot–Jogindernagar route, also known as the Kangra Valley Railway, is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow-gauge line—the longest of its kind in India and among the longest in the world. Spanning approximately 164 km, it was built between 1926 and 1929 and features over 990 bridges, two tunnels, and nearly 500 curves. The route offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar ranges and winds through the scenic Kangra Valley.
In 2025, stations including Pathankot, Kangra, and Palampur hosted special exhibitions of historical railway artefacts—such as signal lanterns and gate lamps—on World Heritage Day, celebrating the railway’s legacy.
Lok Sabha MP from Kangra–Chamba, Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj, has also requested a feasibility study for the gauge conversion, prompting the survey work now in progress.