India’s longest toy train services is back after 4 years. 164 km of Himalayan magic for just Rs 40 ticket price - 10 hours, 1,000 bridges, 484 curves

Train services on the iconic Pathankot–Jogindernagar railway line have resumed this after an interruption of almost four years, restoring a vital transportation link for residents of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra region and nearby areas. Services on the iconic toy route had been suspended since August 2022 after severe flooding damaged a major section of the Chakki Railway Bridge located near the Punjab–Himachal Pradesh border. The destruction of the bridge cut off rail connectivity and forced authorities to halt operations indefinitely.

About Kangra Toy Train Services

The railway, popularly known as the Kangra Toy Train, currently on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites tentative list, is one of India’s most picturesque rail journeys. Stretching about 164 kilometres, India's longest, the narrow-gauge line connects Pathankot in Punjab with Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh, winding through the scenic Kangra Valley. Throughout the journey, passengers are treated to spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range in the middle Himalayas, lush fields, rivers and traditional Himalayan villages.

Kangra Toy Train Services route, ticket price and online booking

Commissioned in 1929, the railway is considered an engineering marvel. Built on a 2-foot-6-inch narrow gauge, the route navigates mountainous terrain through nearly 1,000 bridges and hundreds of curves while using only two tunnels. The line climbs from Pathankot to its highest point at Ahju before descending towards Jogindernagar.

The route includes several important stations such as Nurpur Road, Jawalamukhi Road, Kangra, Nagrota, Palampur and Baijnath Paprola. The complete journey takes roughly 10 hours, offering travellers a slow but unforgettable experience through one of northern India’s most beautiful landscapes.

Its reopening not only restores connectivity but also revives a cherished heritage railway that has served generations of local communities.

The long-awaited restart has been met with excitement among local commuters and railway enthusiasts, many of whom had been waiting years for the historic route to become operational again.

For many residents, the railway is more than just a mode of transport—it is a cost-effective lifeline. Passengers pointed out that travelling to Jogindernagar by bus can cost nearly ₹400, while a train ticket on the same route costs only Rs 40 as it is heavily subsidized for local villagers.

To revive the route, the Ministry of Railways undertook the construction of a new modern bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore. After extensive safety checks, inspections and successful trial runs conducted by senior railway officials, the line was finally cleared for regular passenger services. Online ticket booking facility for this train services are not available.