Avinash Azad
Amid continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days and frequent landslides along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), particularly between Banihal and Nashri Tunnel stretch in Ramban district, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway has introduced special train services to facilitate passenger movement between the two capital regions.
To ease travel disruptions caused by blocked road connectivity, Railways operated a special train (No. 04689/04690) between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal. The initiative proved highly effective, with over 1,000 passengers successfully completing their journeys, significantly strengthening rail connectivity in the region.
The special service was primarily aimed at assisting passengers traveling between Kashmir and Katra, especially during the ongoing weather-related disruptions. The train witnessed a large number of tourists and local residents on board, who expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the Railways’ timely intervention.
Railway authorities stated that the core objective of the initiative was to ensure safe, swift, and reliable transportation across difficult terrain. Adequate arrangements for security and passenger amenities were put in place at stations to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.
Encouraged by the response, the Railways indicated that the frequency of such special services may be increased in the coming days, depending on passenger demand and prevailing conditions. The special unreserved train between Katra and Banihal is scheduled to operate again on April 10.
Continuing the initiative, another special train service (No. 04679/04680) connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar will run from April 11 to April 15. Both reserved and unreserved passengers can avail of this facility.
As per the schedule, Train No. 04679 will depart from Katra at 10:10 AM and reach Srinagar at 1:35 PM. On the return journey, Train No. 04680 will leave Srinagar at 3:15 PM and arrive at Katra at 7:00 PM. The train will halt at Reasi, Sangaldan, and Banihal stations in both directions.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal, stated that persistent rainfall and landslides have severely disrupted traffic on NH-44, causing inconvenience to passengers, particularly pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and local commuters. “In view of the hardships faced by passengers, Railways has initiated this special train service to provide a safe and convenient travel alternative. On its inaugural run, the train carried over 1,000 passengers, who have widely appreciated the effort,” he said.
He further added that, building on the positive response, Railways has extended the initiative by launching another special service between Katra and Srinagar to further improve connectivity for both locals and tourists. Passengers have been advised to make use of these special train services for a safer and more convenient journey during the ongoing weather disruptions.
