New Delhi: In a major relief initiative for passengers stranded by recent floods in Jammu, the Northern Railways’ Jammu division has announced special train services between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (Reasi district) and Sangaldan (Ramban district).
The services will begin Monday, September 8, and continue daily until September 12.
Heavy rainfall over the past week triggered flood-like conditions, severely disrupting transportation and halting regular railway operations. Thousands of passengers, including pilgrims returning from the Vaishno Devi shrine, were left stranded across the region.
Authorities had earlier provided food, water, and temporary arrangements at key railway stations, but persistent rains further hampered road connectivity in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
To ease the situation, Northern Railways has scheduled two special trains—04685 and 04686—between Katra and Sangaldan. These trains will stop at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, and Sawalkot.
- Train 04685 will depart from Katra at 8:40 A.M. and reach Sangaldan by 10:00 A.M.
- Train 04686 will leave Sangaldan at 2:15 P.M. and arrive in Katra at 3:45 P.M., covering the same route in reverse.
Meanwhile, the J&K government has begun assessing flood damage. On Saturday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed officials to form special teams to survey destruction in Anantnag and Kulgam districts. The reports will form the basis of proposals seeking financial assistance from the Central government for the affected population.
