In the Rajya Sabha, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed MP Indu Bala Goswami that a survey is underway to convert the 200-kilometer Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow-gauge railway line to broad gauge. A detailed project report (DPR) is also being prepared for the project. The minister stated that the DPR will be shared... with the state government for their opinion and cooperation, after which it will be sent for approval from the NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance. Only after these approvals will the project be greenlit. MP Indu Bala Goswami had inquired in the House regarding the extension of the Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line up to Mandi. The minister clarified that railway projects are approved based on several factors including economic viability, traffic estimates, the demands of the state government and MPs, operational needs of the Railways, and socio-economic needs such as connecting religious and tourist destinations.

Rajya Sabha mein, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ne MP Indu Bala Goswami ko bataya ki 200 kilometer lambi Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow gauge railway line ko broad gauge mein badalne ke liye survey ka kaam chal raha hai. Iske saath hi, detailed project report (DPR) bhi banayi ja rahi hai. Minister ne kaha... ki DPR banne ke baad, ise state government ke saath share kiya jayega unki opinion aur cooperation ke liye, uske baad ise NITI Aayog aur Ministry of Finance ki approval ke liye bheja jayega. In sabhi approvals ke baad hi project ko green signal milega. MP Indu Bala Goswami ne House mein Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line ko Mandi tak extend karne se related question pucha tha. Is par, minister ne explain kiya ki railway projects kayi factors par approve hote hain, jaise economic viability, traffic estimates, state government aur MPs ki demands, Railways ki operational needs, aur socio-economic needs jaise religious aur tourist destinations ko connect karna.