New Delhi, Aug 20 – Restoration work has commenced following the suspension of train services due to severe rainfall that resulted in the washing away of piers of the Chakki Khad bridge on the Pathankot Cantt-Jogindernagar narrow gauge route, as stated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written response to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The matter was raised in the House when a member inquired if the bridge’s pillars over the Chakki rivulet near Pathankot collapsed as a result of illegal mining, which disrupted rail services from Jassur to Pathankot. The member also questioned the measures being implemented to prevent illegal mining to ensure uninterrupted rail operations.

Vaishnaw clarified that Chakki Khad Bridge No. 32 is situated between Dalhousie Road and Nurpur Road railway stations on the Pathankot Cantt-Jogindernagar narrow gauge route. He noted that this section, located in a hilly area, experiences unprecedented rainfall during the monsoon season.

He further explained, “Due to unprecedented rain and consequent washing away of piers of the Chakki Khad bridge on August 20, 2022, train services were discontinued between Pathankot and Nurpur Road.”

The minister confirmed that the restoration of Bridge No. 32, along with additional repair and strengthening works, is already underway and is in an advanced stage of completion. He also mentioned that the issue of illegal mining is periodically addressed by the Railways in collaboration with the relevant state governments.