Jammu: Northern Railways will operate a special train service between Katra and Banihal for 15 days, from September 19 to 30, to provide safe and convenient travel after the Jammu–Srinagar national highway was closed due to heavy rains and waterlogging.
Earlier, on September 8, the railways had introduced a temporary service between Katra and Sangaldan to help stranded passengers after the highway closure in Udhampur district.
“This special train will run daily from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Banihal and back,” Senior Divisional Operations Manager Uchit Singha said. The train will leave Banihal at 11 am and reach Katra at 1.30 pm, halting at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, Sangaldan, Sumber, and Khari. The return service will depart Katra at 1.45 pm and arrive in Banihal at 4.10 pm with the same stoppages.
Senior officials, including Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar, approved the decision in consultation with the operations and commercial departments.
“Passenger safety and convenience remain our top priority. With road transport suspended, this train provides a crucial alternative for the public,” Senior Divisional Operations Manager Arish Bansal said.
The step was taken after repeated requests from local residents and the state administration.
