In a major boost to infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, the Ministry of Railways has taken a definitive step toward converting the strategically vital Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line into a broad-gauge corridor. The long-pending modernisation project has entered a crucial phase with the commencement of a comprehensive traffic study along the entire route.
Considered the lifeline of the Kangra valley, this British-era railway network has served the hill districts of Kangra and Mandi for nearly a century. However, the current narrow-gauge system suffers from severe limitations in speed, capacity and overall operational efficiency.
The ongoing traffic study is an integral component of the Final Location Survey (FLS) and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) authorised by the Railway Board. To ensure an exhaustive technical and financial assessment, the Northern Railway has outsourced the task to a private consultancy firm, M/s LN Malviya Infra Projects Private Limited.
Specialised survey teams are currently deployed across the 200-km corridor, which stretches from Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. The teams are gathering ground-level data on — population density and local travel patterns; current and future freight demand; tourism potential and industrial activity; and the findings will be used to calculate the Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) and Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR), which will ultimately determine the project’s economic viability.
Railway planners emphasise that the upgraded broad-gauge line will seamlessly integrate Himachal Pradesh with the national rail network. Beyond its immense strategic value, the project is expected to transform regional transportation, accelerate freight movement and provide a massive facelift to local tourism.
Local residents, business communities and tourism stakeholders have widely welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the vital corridor is finally moving closer to reality.
