Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday (6 February) flagged off the Paprola-Pathankot Express Train at Paprola Railway Station in Kangra district, reports Pioneer.

The train will reduce the travel time between Paprola (Baijnath) and Pathankot by two hours. Earlier, the distance was covered in over 7 hours but now it will take only around 5 hours.

Thakur, addressing a public gathering on the occasion, said that the train service will help locals and tourists alike as it would boost tourism in the region.

The train would start from Pathankot at 9.20 am and reach Baijnath at 2.25 pm, covering a distance of 100 km in five hours. In the return journey, the train would leave Baijnath at 4.30 pm and reach Pathankot at 9.35 pm, reports The Tribune.

According to the Pioneer report, Thakur said that the four-coach express train, that includes a first class chair car, two general service coaches and a general-guard van has been created by the Ferozepur Railway Region. He added that more coaches shall be attached to the train later.

The Chief Minister said that the train will stop at Palampur, Nagrota, Kangra and Jwalamukhi road railway stations.

"WiFi facility has been provided at all major stations on this track for the convenience of passengers. Consultation work will provide Kangra station a heritage look, which will be completed by 10 March 2019. A steam engine train has been made operational for children's rides between Palampur and Baijnath," Thakur was quoted by Pioneer as saying.