Jammu: Twin special trains have been introduced for a fortnight on the Katra-Banihal and Katra-Budgam sections of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link to provide safe and reliable travel following the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, officials said.
One Vastodom train is running between Budgam and Katra, while another operates on the Katra-Banihal route. Both will continue for the next 15 days, ferrying passengers back and forth. Officials said the services have been welcomed with enthusiasm by the public.
With this, three flood-relief trains are now operational in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, on September 8, Northern Railways launched a special local service between Katra and Sangaldan to assist passengers stranded after the highway closure in Udhampur district.
The new train from Banihal departs at 11 am, reaching Katra at 1:30 pm, with halts at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, Sangaldan, Sumber, and Khari. It returns to Banihal at 4:10 pm, officials said.
The services were initiated under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar, with support from Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal and Senior Divisional Operations Manager Arish Bansal.
Bansal said, “The safety and convenience of passengers is our top priority. With road services suspended in Banihal and Katra, these trains provide a crucial alternative for safe and efficient travel.”
The move follows heavy rains and waterlogging that damaged roads in the Jammu division, leading to traffic disruptions. Responding to appeals from residents and the state administration, the railways approved these special services.
