Train buries time capsule along historic train tracks
The small town of Naya Nangal, nestled amidst towering dams and a maze of canals, is home to a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the past. The Bhakra-Nangal free train service, operated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), has been a significant part of the town's history since its inception in 1948.
This free train service, often described as a "time capsule on tracks of history," reflects the region's post-independence infrastructural ambition. Commissioned to ferry men and material to the dam site, the train has become a cultural and historical gem, symbolizing the development era associated with the Bhakra-Nangal dam project.
The train, which runs between Nangal and Bhakra Dam, continues to operate as a free service for the local population, connecting key points in the Bhakra-Nangal region. Despite ongoing administrative and security discussions, such as the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra-Nangal installations, these issues do not directly affect the free train service.
The train's three old-style wooden sleeper coaches, built in Karachi before Partition, cover a distance of 13.5 km, passing through five stations, three tunnels, one bridge, and postcard-perfect scenery. The fare-free service is open to passengers ranging from schoolchildren and villagers to BBMB staff, freeloaders, and occasionally animals like goats or bundles of fodder.
Despite not bringing any tangible financial gain, the BBMB decided to keep the free train service running in honor of its legacy. Initially, the train service used a steam engine, which was replaced by imported diesel engines from the United States in 1953. Today, two of these engines are still operational, while the third has been retired.
For those seeking details on schedules or operational specifics, the train runs are documented in regional sources related to Himachal and Punjab rail connectivity. The free train service, operated by the BBMB, runs from Nangal station to Olinda and back daily, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all who ride it.
[1] Bhakra-Nangal Dam. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhakra-Nangal_Dam
[2] Khera, S. (2021, August 12). CISF Deployment at Bhakra Nangal Dam: Punjab Government Against It. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/cisf-deployment-at-bhakra-nangal-dam-punjab-government-against-it-7985918/
[3] Bhakra-Nangal Free Train Service. (n.d.). In Himachal Pradesh Tourism. https://www.himachalpradesh.gov.in/tourism/bhakra-nangal-free-train-service
[4] Bhakra-Nangal Project. (n.d.). In Central Water Commission. https://www.cwc.gov.in/projects/bhakra-nangal-project
[5] Bhakra-Nangal Project. (n.d.). In Ministry of Jal Shakti. https://jalshakti.gov.in/content/jalshakti/en/sectoral-programmes/river-valley-projects/bhakra-nangal-project.html
- Many news outlets have published articles expressing their opinions on the potential deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra-Nangal Dam, with some raising concerns about its impact on the region's history.
- The Bhakra-Nangal free train service, an industry remnant dating back to the post-independence development era, offers a fascinating look into the region's history and past economic ambitions.
- The finance department of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) faces a unique challenge in justifying the administrative costs of maintaining the Bhakra-Nangal free train service, given its lack of direct financial gains, but continues to do so in honor of its historical significance.
