Northern Railway will operate special reserved trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar on January 27 and 28 to assist stranded passengers amid heavy snowfall. With road closures and flight disruptions, the initiative aims to ensure smooth travel and connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.
Northern Railway has announced the operation of special reserved trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Katra and Srinagar on January 27 and 28, in response to severe snowfall that has disrupted normal travel routes across Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Highlights
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The Jammu division of Northern Railway will run these trains to facilitate passenger movement, particularly for those stranded due to weather-related disruptions.
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The Jammu–Srinagar national highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of India, was partially reopened after being shut for two days following heavy snowfall in the Banihal sector.
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Air traffic in Kashmir has also been affected, with multiple cancellations reported due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
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The special reserved train on January 27 will depart from SMVD Katra at 8:10 am and reach Srinagar at 11:00 am, with a scheduled halt at Banihal Railway Station.
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The initiative was taken under the directions of Divisional Railway Manager (Jammu) Vivek Kumar, keeping in mind passenger convenience and the absence of Vande Bharat train services on January 27 and 28.
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Meteorological forecasts indicate continued snowfall across most parts of Kashmir and higher reaches of Jammu until January 28, making these special trains a crucial alternative for travelers.
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Officials emphasized that the move is designed to ensure uninterrupted travel and provide relief to passengers during this period of inclement weather.
This decision underscores the railway’s proactive approach in maintaining connectivity during adverse conditions, offering a reliable option for passengers when both road and air travel remain uncertain.
Sources: Northern Railway officials, PTI, The Statesman, CNBC TV18