Home / Lifestyle / India's Hidden Gem: A Toy Train Journey Reopens
India's Hidden Gem: A Toy Train Journey Reopens
11 Jun
Summary
- The Kangra Valley Railway, India's longest toy train route, has reopened.
- Tickets cost approximately Rs 40 for the full 164-kilometer journey.
- The historic railway uses a Victorian-era signalling system and is UNESCO-listed.
The Kangra Valley Railway, India's longest toy train route, has resumed operations following the recent completion of restoration work on the Chakki River bridge. This vital bridge, located near the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border, suffered significant damage during the 2022 monsoon season, leading to the suspension of services.
The reopened line promises an uncrowded mountain train experience, traversing 164 kilometers. A second-class ticket for the full journey is priced at approximately Rs 40. The train journey, which takes about ten hours, showcases stunning scenery, including the Pong Dam reservoir and the Dhauladhar peaks.
Opened in 1929, the Kangra Valley Railway is notable for its unique engineering, featuring only two tunnels and 484 curves. It still operates with a Victorian-era signalling system, the Neale's Ball Token, and has been placed on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list.
Key stops along the route include Jawalamukhi Road, Kangra, Palampur, and Baijnath Paprola, offering access to local culture and nature. Services departed Pathankot at 5 am and 7 am, with departures from the Kangra side starting at 8:30 am following the reopening.
