All Aboard for Safety: Special Trains Race Out of Jammu Amid Border Tensions

In a rapid move to meet the growing military skirmish between India and Pakistan, Indian Railways has introduced and started running three special trains from Udhampur and Jammu to Delhi. The step is an emergency response to the series of drone attacks and border shelling incidents, prompting Jammu and Chandigarh airports to be closed, with thousands stranded and demanding safe transit out of the regions affected.

Key Highlights

Three special trains have been scheduled and run to enable the evacuation and travel of individuals from Jammu and Udhampur to Delhi. They are:

Train 04612, leaving Jammu at 10:45 am, with 12 unreserved and 12 reserved coaches for general and reserved category travelers.

A 20-coach Vande Bharat special train, leaving Udhampur at 12:45 pm, traveling through Jammu and Pathankot to the national capital.

A completely booked 22-coach LHB special train, departing from Jammu at 7:00 pm.

The action comes after a dramatic night of May 8-9, which saw more than 50 Pakistani drones downed by Indian troops and several ceasefire violations. The area witnessed blackouts, air raid alarms, and panic as explosions were heard throughout Jammu.

Airport shutdowns in Jammu and Chandigarh compelled several, including IPL players and support staff, to find alternative means. The special trains of the Indian Railways have emerged as the main medium for safe evacuation and travel.

Security has been increased at all railway stations, and the police, railway protection force, and dog squads are conducting joint inspections for the safety of passengers. Control rooms at Jammu, Ambala, and New Delhi are monitoring developments and passenger movement around the clock.

The Railways Ministry has ensured that train services are not impacted by local blackouts because of the independent power grid of the railway and backup diesel locomotives. All stations in the border region are kept under close monitoring by a central war room.

The special trains are as part of a larger emergency response, with the government calling on residents in the impacted areas to stay at home and calm. All schools, colleges, and universities in Jammu are shut until further notice.

Indian Railways' quick mobilization highlights the pivotal role that railway transport plays in national emergency response and civilian protection in periods of conflict.

Sources: The Indian Express, Economic Times, India TV News, Times of India, Business Today