Train commission Ceremony at Baijnath Paprola-Pathankot route by CM
The picturesque Kangra Valley Railway, a narrow-gauge railway line in Himachal Pradesh, India, has recently witnessed an exciting development. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur flagged off a new express train on the Kangra valley narrow gauge rail line, adding a new chapter to the railway's rich history[1].
The newly introduced train, which covers the distance between Baijnath Paprola and Pathankot in 5 hours 5 minutes, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two towns by nearly two hours[2]. The express train consists of four coaches, including one first class chair car, two general service coaches, and one general cum guard van[3].
Currently, the express train has plans for stoppages at four stations: Palampur, Nagrota, Kangra, and Jawalamukhi[4]. However, no information about additional stoppages or the possibility of extending the train's route has been provided.
The Kangra Valley Railway, established in 1928, was built to connect remote areas of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, facilitating transport and trade in the sub-Himalayan region[5]. It is part of India’s heritage narrow-gauge mountain railways, although it is less famous than the Shimla and Darjeeling toy trains[6].
The 164 km line winds through mountainous landscape, offering scenic views that attract tourists and rail enthusiasts[1][2][4]. In an effort to enhance the travel experience, Wi-Fi facilities have been provided at all major stations on the Kangra valley narrow gauge rail line[7].
In addition, the heritage look of Kangra station is being awarded to a consultancy, with an expected completion date of 10 March, 2019[8]. Furthermore, efforts will be made to ply bigger trains on this track, and the matter regarding upgradation of the track will be taken before the Union Railways Ministry[9].
However, no information about the impact of the express train on tourism in the Kangra valley or ticket prices and booking procedures for the express train has been provided[10]. For detailed updates on these aspects, it would be advisable to consult official Indian Railways announcements or recent local government releases.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangra_Valley_Railway [2] https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/destinations/story/kangra-valley-railway-express-train-himachal-pradesh-1802864-2021-07-15 [3] Ibid. [4] Ibid. [5] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/himachal-pradesh/himachal-cm-flags-off-new-express-train-on-kangra-valley-railway/article39158829.ece [6] https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/destinations/story/kangra-valley-railway-express-train-himachal-pradesh-1802864-2021-07-15 [7] https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/destinations/story/kangra-valley-railway-express-train-himachal-pradesh-1802864-2021-07-15 [8] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/heritage-look-of-kangra-railway-station-to-be-awarded-to-consultancy/articleshow/66396105.cms [9] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/himachal-pradesh/himachal-cm-flags-off-new-express-train-on-kangra-valley-railway/article39158829.ece [10] No specific sources found for this information.
The new express train, set to improve the finance and lifestyle of local residents by reducing travel time, is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the Kangra Valley Railway [1]. The faster pace of travel is expected to boost the tourism industry in the Kangra Valley, attracting more visitors who may also participate in sports activities available there [2]. The improvement in transportation could also benefit the finance sector as tourists may spend money in local businesses, contributing to the economy [3].
