Shimla, Feb 01: Close on the heels of induction of
century-old Kalka-Shimla Rail (KSR) in UNESCO's heritage list,
the pre-Independence era Kangra Valley Railway (KVR) in
Himachal Pradesh has been recommended for inclusion in the UN
body's world heritage status for 2009.
Considering its historical and cultural importance, KVR
has been nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO heritage list,
Rajesh Agarwal, Executive Director (heritage) in the Railway
Ministry said over phone.
If accepted, Himachal Pradesh, a favourite tourist
destination, would have the unique distinction of having two
of its railway lines in the prestigious list.
KSR, an engineering marvel built in 1903, found place in
the UNESCO heritage list last year. This was the third railway
line in the country after Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and
Nilgiri Mountain Railway to be accorded the heritage status.
Though not much has been written about KVR -- Pathankot-
Jogindernagar Kangra Valley Railway -- as compared to KSR, the
163-km track meanders through a maze of hills and valleys
offering travellers enchanting and scenic views.
Built between 1926 and 1929 for transporting raw material
to the Shannan power house at Jogindernagar in Mandi district,
KVR runs parallel to the mighty Dhauladhar range, literatures
on KVR said.
Opened for traffic on April 1, 1929, KVR has more than
950 bridges and two tunnels.
The journey offers a sweeping view of the scenic
mountains while stopping at 30 small stations.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, February 01, 2009, 00:00