Relief in sight for Nurpur villages as Rlys agrees to footbridge plan

After years of persistent public demand, the Northern Railway has finally assured progress on a much-awaited pedestrian and two-wheeler footbridge at Chatrolli near Nurpur. This move is set to bring relief to residents of Chhatrolli, Thanger, Kamnala, Jassur, Bhaleta, Jatoli and Nanglahar villages in the Nurpur Assembly segment, who have long struggled with disrupted connectivity.

The proposed footbridge—2.4 metres wide—is likely to be constructed between kilometre points 19/2 and 19/3 on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line.

The Northern Railway has stated that construction will proceed subject to land availability, and a joint site inspection with state authorities and the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) will be conducted soon to assess feasibility.

The demand was raised in the May 16 meeting of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) held at Northern Railway Headquarters in Delhi. Deepak Bhardwaj, a Nurpur-based ZRUCC member, took up the issue on behalf of affected villagers. He also pressed for broader improvements, including modernisation of narrow-gauge train coaches, enhanced passenger amenities and expedited restoration of the interstate Chakki railway bridge at Kandwal.

Speaking to The Tribune, Bhardwaj confirmed receiving a formal response from Northern Railway’s Jammu Division. “The authorities have agreed to jointly inspect the proposed footbridge site. Additionally, they have assured that the reconstruction of the Chakki bridge is on track for completion by August-end,” he said. The railway also acknowledged the request for passenger coach upgrades, noting that a proposal is under active review.

The longstanding issue of severed road connectivity dates back to October 2011, when the railway crossing at Chatrolli was first closed. Although temporarily reopened in March 2012 following local protests, it was shut permanently in December 2013. Since then, villagers have continuously advocated for a Limited Height Subway (LHS) or alternate footbridge to facilitate daily travel and access to essential services.

Himachal Tribune