TNR News Network
Kangra
Rail connectivity in Himachal Pradesh received a major boost today as former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur, along with Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, flagged off the narrow gauge train service from Kangra Railway Station.
The ceremony was attended by Kangra MLA Pawan Kajal, MLA Thakur Ranbir Singh Nikka, and Northern Railway DRM Vivek Kumar, alongside railway officials and staff who coordinated the event.
Speaking at the launch, Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized that the Modi government’s vision is to connect every corner of Himachal by rail. He noted that the revival of the narrow gauge service will boost tourism in Kangra-Dharamshala, ease local travel, and create new employment opportunities.
Thakur recalled the setback caused in August 2022 when floods washed away the Chakki River railway bridge at the Himachal–Punjab border. He highlighted that the ₹70 crore reconstruction of the bridge, using modern technology, was swiftly undertaken by the Railways after strong representation to the Centre. “With the resumption of services, tourism and the local economy will gain new strength. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their support,” he said.
He further announced that in the Union Budget 2026–27, the Centre has sanctioned ₹2911 crore for Himachal’s rail expansion, modernization, safety projects, and electrification — 27 times more than allocations under previous governments. Currently, projects worth ₹17,711 crore are underway, including redevelopment of four stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme at a cost of ₹46 crore.
Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj remarked that expanding rail networks in a hill state means putting Himachal on a new track of development.
The event was marked by chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Jai BJP, Tay BJP”, resonating across the station.
MLA Pawan Kajal expressed gratitude, calling the launch the fulfillment of a decades-old dream for Kangra. “Tourism, trade, and employment will all rise with this train. This is the gift of the double-engine government,” he said.
