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Passengers travelling on the historic Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line will now need to adjust their travel plans, as the Railway Ministry has decided to suspend train services every Friday for maintenance and safety work.
Pathankot-Jogindernagar Train Services Suspension on Every Friday
The decision comes shortly after train services on the famous Kangra Valley Railway resumed on June 2 following a gap of almost four years. The restoration of services was welcomed by residents, tourists, and railway enthusiasts, who saw it as an important step towards improving connectivity in the region.
Pathankot-Jogindernagar Services
Under the new arrangement, trains will run only six days a week, from Saturday to Thursday. Every Friday will be reserved for inspection, repairs, and maintenance of railway infrastructure. Railway officials said this dedicated maintenance day is necessary to ensure safe and reliable operations on the heritage railway line, which passes through difficult hilly terrain, numerous bridges, tunnels, and other sensitive sections.
According to railway authorities, two trains will continue to operate daily between Pathankot and Jogindernagar on the six working days. However, no passenger trains will run on Fridays, allowing engineering teams uninterrupted time to inspect tracks and carry out essential repair work.
Why is the Suspension Necessary?
Officials stressed that regular maintenance is important for passenger safety and for preserving the century-old railway line. They said the new schedule will help railway staff perform inspections more effectively and improve overall operational safety.
However, many residents of the Kangra Valley have expressed concern over the decision. Daily commuters, students, and office workers who depend on the railway for affordable transport fear that the weekly suspension will create difficulties, especially in areas where alternative transport options are limited.
Some passengers suggested that maintenance work should be planned in a way that allows at least one train service to run on Fridays. Others questioned why services were restored with much publicity, only to be partially suspended days later.
Railway officials from the Jammu Division said the revised schedule is based on technical and operational requirements. They assured the public that passenger safety remains the top priority and that train services will continue normally on all days except Friday.