Kangra Valley Railway

The Kangra Valley Railway is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) gauge railway that runs from Pathankot, Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. It runs through the sub-Himalayan region of Kangra Valley and is 164 km (101.9 mi) long. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites tentative list. The railway is part of the Jammu division of Northern Railway. It is the longest Narrow Gauge line in India and also the longest 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) Gauge Railway in the World. The highest point on this line is Ahju station at an elevation of 1,290 meters (4,230 ft). There are 33 stops and 950 bridges.
Though original intent of Kangra Railway was to open up Kangra & Kullu valleys for their rich natural resources like timber as well as minerals, and surveys were also carried out in 1912 and 1914 for the same purpose. However, the prospects of such a project were not remunerative enough for the government and therefore, the idea was dropped. However, with proposed Uhl Hydropower project at Shanan, this project was again revived in the budget of 1926–1927.
On May 2, 1926, the ground breaking ceremony of Kangra Valley Railway(KVR) was performed by William Malcolm Hailey, the then Governor of Punjab Province. The construction of Kangra Valley Railway was entrusted to North Western State Railway(NWR) under Capt. E.B.N Taylor, Superintendent of Works. The 110 km (68 mi) long section between Pathankot and Nagrota was completed on 1 December 1928. Thus, a portion of KVR was opened for freight transportation at that time. While the rest of section from Nagrota to Joginder Nagar was completed on 1 April 1929. Hence, the KVR was also opened for passengers in April 1929. Though original cost to build the KVR was estimated to be Rs 113 Lakhs, however, due to cost overruns and project delays, the final expenditure incurred on KVR was almost Rs. 296 Lakh, more than double from original estimate. In 1942, at the time when World War II was at its peak, a section of the line and other Iron infrastructure from Nagrota to Joginder Nagar was dismantled and shipped off for British operations in the Middle East as a part of War effort, which caused disruption in the Operation of KVR. At that time the Line was temporarily truncated beyond Nagrota and operational section was only 67 miles (108 km) from Pathankot to Nagrota. It was only after 12 long years, post-Independence on 15 April 1954, that the infrastructure of KVR was restored and its operations resumed when Lal Bahadur Shastri, was Railway Minister of India. Again in 1973, when the Maharana Pratap Sagar was constructed, a small section of about 25 km (16 mi) on KVR had to be realigned to the reservoir. Hence, the line was dismantled between Jawanwala Shahr and Guler on 11 April 1973 and diverted onto higher grounds along the eastern shore of the new reservoir. The Older section between these two stations, along with Anur and Mangwal stations was abandoned, and the new alignment with several new stations opened three years later on 29 December 1976.
The entire length of the 163.720 km (101.731 mi) of Kangra Valley Railway starting from plains of Pathankot (383.820m amsl) in Punjab up to Joginder Nagar (1184.160m amsl) in the foothills of Dhauladhar ranges in Mandi District blends with the landscapes of Kangra Valley which is overlooked by snow clad mighty Dhauladhar Ranges.
Hence, negotiating this line through such hilly terrain marked with steep climbs, gaping valleys through which flow, the violent and loud streams, was not an easy task. Therefore, construction of line on such a terrain involved construction of various Bridges, Blasting of Rocks for cut sections and Tunnels. Therefore, this makes KVR a unique Railway in terms of following notable features in its short span of about 164 km (102 mi).
KVR uses the Neale's Ball Token based signalling system. It is an electro-mechanical instrument invented by J.E. Neale, who was the Telegraph Superintendent of the erstwhile Great Indian Peninsular(GIP) Railway (Now Central railway) and first used in 1933. It ensures safety of train operations, particularly on a single line KVR, by dispensing tokens. These tokens are the authority given by stationmaster to Loco Pilot to enter the block (section between the two stations). The token is in the form of metal balls, with varying diameter, which is released by a Ball token instrument at each station. Only One token is issued for each direction at a time after ensuring that previous train has already cleared the section and there is no other train between the station. Hence the Instrument releases token only when the line is clear for proceeding to next station. Each station has one such instrument for each direction, which are electrically connected to similar instruments provided at the adjoining stations on either side. This ensures that only one train can enter the block sections at a time. These metal Balls are strung on a ring and given to the Loco Pilot and at the same time the ball token ring given to loco pilot by preceding station is received from him. Neale's Ball Token based signalling system has been an integral part and heritage of KVR. Very few Railway lines apart from KVR use Neale's Ball Token system.
For the signalling on the block, the Two-aspect Lower Quadrant(2LQ) Semaphore signalling is used on KVR. The Semaphore can only be in two positions.
It is a Two-aspect color-lamp signalling in which each signal has two glass lenses (one above the other). The higher of the two Lamps is a green lamp, and the lower one is a red lamp. The green lamp when lit indicates 'Clear' (the proceed indication), and when the red lamp is lit, the signal is said to be in the 'ON' position, displaying its most restrictive indication. It utilizes a single wire or cable connecting the signal lever at the cabin, where the signal frame is located; to the actual semaphore mechanism on the signal post. Operating the signal lever to take the signal off causes the transmission wire to be pulled, moving the semaphore arm to the required aspect.
In terms of elevation as well as general direction of line, KVR Line can be divided into 3 sections.
It is about 45 miles (72 km) long section and starts from Pathankot Junction to Chakki Bridge in Punjab. Pathankot has loco shed, carriage sub-deport of Kangra Valley railway. Line leaves pathankot from the east of the town, passes a number of level crossings, after which the rural nature of line becomes apparent. It makes its first call at Dalhousie road station, which has a passing loop. After the line leaves this station, it heads south and crosses the Chakki river bridge. After crossing chakki bridge, train heads eastwards once more towards the next station at Kandwal. For a while, no trains made a call at Kandwal, however, now the halt has been reinstated. Both Dalhousie Road and Kandwal halt were additional stops, not in the original plans, which were added sometimes during late 1970s to early 1980s, after reopening of line through new diversionary route.
Next station is Nurupur Road, which connects Nurpur town, erstwhile capital of medieval dynasty of Pathania rulers. As line leaves Nurpur Town, it takes a southwards loop to reach Talara, the next stop on KVR.
After leaving Talara, train descends into the Beas river and Pong Dam Basin . The line continues in South-South-Easterly direction to reach, Balle Da Pir Larath and Bharmar, the next two stops respectively. The next station is Jawanwala Shahr, which serves Jawali, a small town. It is from this stop that the line had to be diverted from its original route, which formerly headed southwards serving the erstwhile stations of Anur and Mangwal, both of which have been abandoned.
In this new route, the Line takes a Northward curve to cross the Dehar Bridge. This bridge is relatively of new construction in order for line to cross the highest water levels of tributary of Beas river. After crossing the bridge it takes southward turn continues in this direction to make call at Harsar Dehri station and Megh Rajpura Halt, the next two stops on Line. As line leaves Megh Rajpura station, it crosses the New Gaj River bridge, still maintains Southeasterly direction, and serves Nagrota Suriyan, Barial Himachal and Nandpur Bhatoli, the next three halts on the line. As the train leaves Nandpur Bhatauli, there comes the Mehla Khad Viaduct. As, the Train crosses Mahla viaduct, one can see the piers of former bridge on the old alignment, indicating that the new line is converging with its former alignment. After a short distance, the line curves around to head east and rejoins the older line. Then, the line heads to the north and makes call at Guler station which marks the end of first section of KVR line. The station is equipped with a pit on the platform road to enable examination of rolling stock.
This is approx 34 miles (55 km) long section in which the line starts following northern direction. As the Line leaves Guler, it takes a more northerly course, heading up on the western bank of Banganga river, also known as Baner Khad. Distant Snowcapped Dhauladhar mountains become visible, signifying that ranges are getting closer. As, the line leaves Lunsu Halt, the next station after Guler, the valley narrows down further, the Line crosses the gorge over Banganga Bridge. After making the halt at Tripal, the next station on the line, it makes for the next halt at Jawalamukhi Road, which is an important station as pilgrims vising Jwalaji Temple alight here.
After leaving the Jawalamukhi Road station, the terrain becomes more challenging. The line makes a graceful curve over the Bathu Bridge, passing over the Hanuman Temple in gorge below before reaching the Dhundi Tunnel, the first of the two tunnels. Then comes the Kopar Lahar station which is followed by the second and longer Daulatpur tunnel with a length of 328 m (1,075 ft). One can also get a glimpse of ancient Kangra fort on this section as train approaches Kangra Station which is on the opposite cliff on the gorge made by Baner Khad.
After leaving the Kangra station, the Line comes across the Reond Gorge, spanned over by a spectacular steel arch bridge. After this, the panoramic view of Dhauladhar mountains becomes more or less a permanent feature. As the line proceeds, it takes an easterly direction and gets called at Samloti, followed by Nagrota Stations. Nagrota was the temporary terminus of the line between 1942 and 1954, when the track to the east of Nagrota was dismantled for WW-II supplies. There are a number of sidings on this station, which are out of use at present. The Line continues Eastwards and next stations to follow are Chamunda Marg Halt, Paror and Sulah Himachal Pradesh, respectively. These stations connect the rural areas of Palampur Tehsil with KVR.
The next station is a significant one, that is Palampur Himachal, which is home to a number of offices of KVR, including Line Managers as well as railway officer's Rest House and a Heritage Bungalow. It also has a Computerised reservation counter to facilitate booking for broad Gauge Trains in other parts of the country. This marks the end of second section of KVR Line. It could be called as pilgrim section, since many temples, both ancient and modern like Jwala Ji, Brijeswhwari Mata, Chamunda Mandir, Dalai Lama Temple at Mcleodganj lie on this section.
It is a nearly 22 miles (35 km) long section with severe gradients and most scenic landscapes on KVR Line. As the Line leaves the Palampur station, at some distance, it encounters beautiful tea gardens, for which the Palampur town is famous for. Thereafter, Line continues South-Eastwards to Patti Rajpura and Panchrukhi Halts, respectively. Panchrukhi has a beautiful chalet style Bungalow station building. Thereafter, the next halt is at Majheran Himachal, before the main station of Baijnath Paprola is called at. Most of the trains (PB-Up) terminate at Baijnath Paprola. The station has relatively big Building and also has a small covered shelter, serving as Loco Depot. It also houses the ambulance train for KVR, which consists of two coaches and a van. It also has 'Y' Reversing Triangle for shunting operations.
After the train (PBJ-UP) leaves the station, it follows steep descent and crosses Binwa Khad over a bridge. Thereafter, steep Gradient, 1 in 25 is encountered by the line before reaching the Baijnath Mandir, the next halt on the line. Here, the station overlooks the Baijnath Temple, a 13th-century temple, dedicated to lord Shiva. Then Line Heads Northwards and then curves sharply southwards, crosses a small tributary of Binwa river. Then, the Line crosses the Valley to its north side and crosses over another small tributary as it continues to climb. Now the line heads eastwards and the highest elevation of the line, i.e. Ahju Railway station (at 1290.230m amsl) is reached. Ahju station has a delightful chalet like building, reminiscent of the colonial days. After leaving Ahju, the line descents, before being called at Chauntra Bhatehar, which is a small halt, with a small shed serving as station building. The line then meanders through a set of low-lying hills, crosses Gugli Khad, and finally reaches the terminus of passenger trains on KVR Line, i.e. Joginder Nagar. The station has two main platform to allow passing and shunting of trains. It is also equipped with a pit for inspecting the rolling stock.
.The KVR was inaugurated with steam traction. Since NWR had many narrow gauge lines, it is highly likely that, multiple types of locomotives hauled the rolling stock on KVR. Locomotives from already operational lines were borrowed for construction and initial operation of KVR. One of the earliest locomotives used was G Class 2-8-2's built by North British and 2-8-0's by Nasmyth Wilson. Lateron, S class 2-6-2 locomotives, built in 1921–23, by W. G. Bagnall, along with one Locomotive (Built 1924) from Franco-Belge were also used. After a while, a 2-8-2 Locomotive (built 1928–1930) by Hanomag and Nasmyth Wilson became a norm on Kangra Valley Railway as ZE Class Locomotive as per Indian Railway Standards(IRS).KVR is also notable for early adoption of Rail motors. KVR experimented with this new innovation in 1932 by inducting three ZZTL class Sentinel's steam-powered four-axle rail motor design Locomotives. There were also a transfer of a 2-6-2T (Tank) and 2-6-2ST (Saddle Tank) class Locomotives respectively, in mid-1930s from Kalka Shimla Railway, but they were soon transferred to another narrow-gauge line of NWR. During late 1930s, there was still no turntable facility between Baijnath-Paprola and Joginder Nagar sections, hence operating on this section required tank locomotives to avoid tender-first running on this section, since it had severe gradients. The solution to this was ZF Class 2-6-2T type locomotives. These ZF class locomotives (built 1934–1935) by Henschel were allocated to Kalka Shimla Railway, and it was only after 1942, when KVR was stopped till Nagrota, some of these ZFs were transferred to KVR. Post Independence, locomotives manufactured by Corpet-Louvet, Krauss-Maffei and Kawasaki were transferred from South Eastern Railway(SER) to KVR along with one loco built by Hanomag from Central Railway(CR). In 1953, five ZF1 Class Locomotives built by Krauss-Maffei, with a modified design were introduced into KVR. Instead of Caprotti valve gear system of ZF class, the ZF1 class Locomotives were based on improved design with Walschaerts valve gear.
The years 1976–1977 marked the end of steam powered traction on KVR and beginning of the diesel locomotive era in KVR history.
ZDM3s built in 1970-71 were the first diesel Locomotives to run on KVR. Nine ZDM3 Diesel hydro-mechanical locomotives of B-B Configuration, built at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works- West Bengal, were inducted into KVR and replaced steam powered Locomotives.
From 1980 to 1982, five locomotives of later ZDM4 Class, were inducted. The engine specifications remained same as of ZDM 3, except that weight of ZDM4 had increased to 39 Tonnes. ZDM4 originally had 1-B-B-1 bogies, but later reverted into B-B configuration because extra axle meant more wheelslips, particularly in severe gradients. Hence these locos were reverted to ZDM 3 classification.
In later 1980s, the ZDM3s were partially replaced by some ZDM4A engines.
These ZDM4As were initially of 1-B-B-1 bogie configuration, but later their pony axles were removed in order for better weight distribution on lightly laid lines. Thus ZDM4A was reconfigured back to B-B bogie type.
More recently, a new fleet of improved ZDM3s, built by Central Railway's(CR) Parel Works- Mumbai have been introduced on KVR. Technical features include
Other significant new features are:-