Shimla/Amritsar, June 3 -- Colonial era narrow-gauge railway line connecting Pathankot in Punjab with Joginder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh resumed operations on Tuesday after remaining suspended for nearly four years, bringing cheers to the people. Around 60 passengers travelled on the route on Tuesday. The resumption of train services generated widespread enthusiasm in Kangra, Nurpur, Jawalamukhi, Palampur, and surrounding areas. Many highlighted the significant savings offered by rail travel, noting that while a bus journey to Jogindernagar costs around Rs. 392, the train fare is only about Rs 40 per passenger. The rail service was disrupted in 2022 during the monsoon season when the railway bridge over the Chakki River was severely damaged by strong water currents, suspending train operations and severing railway connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The restored rail service was formally inaugurated by Hamirpur MP and former Union minister Anurag Thakur, along with Rajya Sabha MP Rajiv Bhardwaj. They flagged off the narrow gauge train service from Kangra railway station. Two seven-coach trains departed from Pathankot City Narrow-Gauge Railway Station on Tuesday morning. Train No. 62465 left at 5 am, followed by Train No. 52467 at 7 am. Services from the Himachal Pradesh side began at 8.30 am from Kangra Railway Station. Addressing the gathering, Thakur acknowledged that the restoration process had taken longer than expected but said the matter was consistently pursued with the central government and the ministry of railways. "This railway line is not merely a mode of transport for the people of the hill regions-it is their lifeline. Continuous efforts were made to ensure its early restoration," he said. Minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said, "The resumption of this service will greatly benefit thousands of passengers and strengthen connectivity across the region", he said....