Tension is mounting over the prolonged suspension of train services on the historic Kangra valley railway line, with public representatives and local bodies warning the authorities concerned of intensifying protests if the rail operations are not resumed soon. Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma has extended support to the Kangra Valley Rail Sangharsh Samiti and issued a clear ultimatum to the railway authorities to restore train services by May 17 or a protest would be held in New Delhi. Sharma joined the protesters on the Jwalamukhi road at Ranital on Tuesday and interacted with the members of the sangharsh samiti, expressing concern over the hardships faced by tje residents of the region due to the halted rail connectivity.
He said that the Union Ministry of Railways had not fully understood the gravity of the issue despite repeated requests. “Rail services were disrupted after bridges and tracks were damaged but the restoration work has been delayed unreasonably,” he added.
The MP said that the people of Himachal would not tolerate the continued neglect of the railway services and warned of a larger agitation if the May 17 deadline was ignored.
The Kangra valley railway line, constructed between 1926 and 1929 during the British era, stretches over 164 km and comprises 950 bridges and two tunnels. It was rebuilt at a cost of around Rs 13 crore yet the route now remained non-operational for several months every year though crores of rupees were spent on its maintenance and repair.
Local residents and stakeholders have expressed frustration over the situation. Many pointed out that this railway line is not only a vital transport link but also a source of livelihood for hundreds of people associated with tourism, small businessmen and daily commuters.
“Train services benefit thousands of people. If the services cannot be fully restored, at least partial operations should be started immediately,” said a local resident, questioning no action taken by elected representatives. Other residents criticised both state and Central leaders, particularly Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj, for allegedly not paying attention to the issue it deserved.
Concerns have also been raised over the economic impact of the suspended train services. Taxi operators, vendors and small shopkeepers dependent on railway traffic are suffering losses. Locals fear that the continued delay can further weaken the region’s already fragile economy.
