Dharamshala, April 22
Residents of Kangra district have intensified their demand for the restoration of rail services, alleging prolonged inaction despite repeated protests and official assurances. Members of the Kangra Valley Rail Struggle Committee met district authorities on Wednesday and warned of a public campaign against Union ministers if the issue isn’t resolved soon.
Committee members, led by office bearer Prem Chand Vishwakarma, gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kangra and raised slogans highlighting the concerns of lakhs of residents who remain without rail connectivity. Vishwakarma said repeated representations and demonstrations have failed to elicit a response from the Center.
He said the damaged railway bridge over Chakki Khad has already been reconstructed, and railway officials have inspected the Kangra Valley track, declaring it fit for operations. Despite this, rail services haven’t resumed.
Vishwakarma said the issue has also been brought to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but there has been no progress so far. He added that a large population dependent on rail transport continues to face hardship as the service has remained suspended for nearly four years.
The committee said it has consistently raised the matter through protests and various platforms. It warned that if restoration is delayed further, people across Himachal Pradesh will be mobilized to influence public opinion against Union ministers, holding them accountable for the delay.
The administration hasn’t yet issued a formal response, but the protest signals growing public pressure to restore rail connectivity in the region.
