- By Sahelee Rakshit
- Thu, 19 Dec 2024 04:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bhakra-Nangal Train: A small train has been traveling through the beautiful Punjab and Himachal Pradesh regions for 75 years, providing travelers with a voyage that has evolved into a journey through time. The 13-kilometre trip between Nangal and Bhakra on the Bhakra-Nangal train is completely free of charge, which is unusual in a nation with stringent ticketing regulations.
Bhakra-Nangal Train History
The history of the train began in 1948, when the Bhakra-Nangal Dam, one of India's tallest and most important dams, was being built. It was initially its obvious goal to transport personnel and equipment to the dam site, which would eventually provide electricity to millions of people in five states.
The train—which was initially powered by steam engines—was indispensable for transporting bulky goods over the Shivalik Hills. It upgraded to a more modern diesel engine in 1953, but it nevertheless has the same vintage appeal. Time seems to have slowed down because to the nostalgic sense of the wooden coaches, which are from pre-partition times and were repurposed from colonial furniture in Karachi.
Bhakra-Nangal Train: A Scenic, Free Ride Across Hills
The Bhakra-Nangal train runs nearly every day, covering a distance of 27.3 kilometres in total. Passengers board and disembark at stations such as Labour Hut, Barmala, and Nahla. Locals, students, and occasionally visitors use these stations, which are dispersed throughout the hills.
The trip takes roughly half an hour and provides amazing views of the Shivalik Hills, the Sutlej River, and two unusual horseshoe-shaped tunnels.
The train, in spite of its modest operation, is a live example of India's industrial history following independence. Due to its American roots, the diesel engine still produces 400 horsepower despite its age.
By virtue of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which oversees the service instead of Indian Railways, it is the only train in India that provides a free trip.