Bhardwaj pushes for expansion of rail network to boost tourism
Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj met Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav in Delhi yesterday to demand expansion of the railway network and improvement of existing facilities in the Kangra parliamentary constituency.
Talking to The Tribune from Delhi, Bhardwaj said he discussed connecting the Vande Bharat train route from Amb in Una district to prominent pilgrimage sites such as Chintpurni, Jawalaji, Chamunda and Brijeshwari temples in Una and Kangra districts. He emphasised that linking these sacred sites would boost tourism in the state, benefitting visitors who also frequent tourist destinations such as Bhagsunag, McLeodGanj and Palampur.
Bhardwaj also raised the issue of upgrading the Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow gauge railway line. He revealed that the Union Minister informed him about the approval for conducting the final physical survey of the track, which was confirmed in the presence of the General Manager, Railways.
The MP further pressed the demand to connect tourist hubs such as Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Chamba with the railway network, highlighting that the entire Chamba district remains without rail connectivity. "I have urged the minister to ensure a budget allocation for strengthening and expanding the railway network in Kangra and Chamba districts in the upcoming fiscal year," Bhardwaj said.
