Pathankot, June 9
Political controversy has erupted over the partial restoration of the Pathankot–Jogindernagar railway service, with Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma criticizing the BJP for claiming credit for the resumption of a railway line that has been operational for nearly a century.
Addressing the media, Sharma questioned the government’s decision to ceremonially flag off the Kangra Valley Railway, arguing that no new train service had been introduced. He said the railway line, which has served the region since the British era, was merely being restored after a prolonged disruption caused by damage to the Chakki Bridge and sections of the railway track.
Sharma noted that despite the completion of reconstruction work on the damaged bridge, the restoration of train services had been delayed. During this period, the Kangra Valley Railway Struggle Committee continuously campaigned for the resumption of operations, organizing protests and demonstrations. Sharma said he had personally joined the committee’s agitation to press for the reopening of the route.
The Rajya Sabha MP highlighted that seven trains previously operated on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar section, whereas only two services have currently been restored. He said efforts would be intensified to resume all remaining train services and announced plans to meet with officials from the Ministry of Railways regarding the issue. If necessary, he added, further public protests would be organized.
Tracing the history of the railway line, Sharma said the Kangra Valley Railway was constructed between 1926 and 1929 during British rule and has remained a vital transportation link for the region’s residents. He accused the BJP of attempting to take political credit by presenting the restoration of an existing service as a new achievement.
Emphasizing the railway’s importance to local communities, Sharma vowed to continue raising the issue until all seven train services on the route are fully restored, describing the railway as a lifeline for thousands of people across the Kangra Valley region.
