Kangra valley railway narrow gauge line, which plays a significant role in the economy of this region, is in a bad shape. Thanks to the apathy of the Indian Railways, which made no efforts in the past 70 years to convert this 120-km long rail track into a broad gauge line. The British had laid down this railway line in 1932, linking all important and religious towns of Kangra and parts of Mandi district. A number of plans were drawn up to convert this narrow gauge line into a broad gauge line, but all remained confined to files. With a manifold increase in the population and the tourist traffic in the Kangra valley, the Railways has failed to come up to the expectations of the local people. Century-old engines and coaches are still plying on this track. Even the authorities could not introduce the regular first-class compartment here. At present, some trains ply on this route daily covering 33 stations and passing through important places like Nurpur, Jawali, Jwalamukhi Road, Kangra, Nagrota Bagwan, Chamunda, Palampur,Panchrukhi , Baijnath and Jogindernagar, which are also major tourists attraction centres of the state. The condition of the rail track between Pathankot and Jogindernagar has gone from bad to worse in the past 10 years, as the Railways authorities have no funds to repair the same. Several small and big bridges are in bad shape. The retaining walls on the tracks have developed major cracks.result in a tragedy anytime.
The residential quarters and railway station buildings are also crying for repair. Besides, almost all 33 railway stations of the Kangra valley railway line lack basic facilities like drinking water, cleanliness and waiting rooms for passengers. Patti, Majerhan Railway stations have no room for the passengers to sit. These stations also do not even have a temporary shed/Proper Platform to save the passengers from unpredictable weather. Family quarters of railway employees are on the verge of collapse. No senior officer of the Railways bothers to visit the track. Train of Problems
No effort has ever been made to convert this 120-km long rail track into a broad gauge line Century-old engines and coaches are still plying on this track The authorities even could not introduce the regular first-class compartment. The condition of the rail track between Pathankot and Jogindernagar is the worst The retaining walls on the tracks have developed major cracks Residential quarters and railway station buildings are also crying for repair
Panchrukhi Railaway Station.
There is always heavy traffic jam at Panchrukhi due to Railway Pathak,Northern Railway has to be arrange alternative option in order to avoid traffic jam .Railway station of Panchrukhi lying between Pathankot and Baijnath Paprola (HP) is in dire straits The station and its surroundings are unclean.
Suggestions :
- Indian Railway have to introduce new trains of this track with powerful engine+ beautiful coaches/compartment..
- Indian Railway have to given special attention to Kangra Valley.
- The Kangra valley attracts lakhs of tourists every year. If the rail services are improved and better amenities are provided to the passengers, tourist inflow would rise, which in turn would help in improving the economic condition of the state. It would not only make it convenient for the residents and tourists but also add to the revenue of the Railways..
SATISH SHARMA
Village Ladoh Post Panchrukhi
Teh Palampur Kangra H.P 176103
