Railways operate special trains for 2,200 stranded passengers after NH-44 blockade
Blazing Tales News Service
JAMMU, AUGUST 1: Northern Railway’s Jammu Division on Saturday operated special trains to assist around 2,200 passengers stranded in Kashmir following the closure of the Srinagar-Udhampur section of National Highway-44 due to heavy rainfall and inclement weather.
According to an official press release, the special train services were introduced for the convenience of passengers stranded at Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway stations after the highway was blocked.
A special train was operated from Budgam to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, departing Budgam at 1:00 pm and reaching Katra at 4:20 pm with scheduled halts at Srinagar, Banihal and Sangaldan stations. The return service left Katra at 5:05 pm and reached Budgam at 8:30 pm via the same route.
In addition, Northern Railway operated a one-way special train from Banihal to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The train departed Banihal at 4:30 pm and arrived at Katra at 6:30 pm, providing additional transport to stranded passengers.
The Railway authorities said the special train services enabled nearly 2,200 passengers to reach their destinations safely and on time. The initiative also helped reduce overcrowding at railway stations by providing an alternative mode of transport during the emergency. Many passengers appreciated the prompt response and passenger-friendly initiative of the Railways.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal said passenger safety and convenience remain the Railways’ top priority. He said the Jammu Division decided to operate the special trains immediately after receiving information about the closure of National Highway-44, adding that the division would continue to ensure safe and convenient travel even during emergency situations.
Northern Railway has advised passengers to pay attention to announcements at railway stations and obtain updated travel information before commencing their journey. Passengers requiring assistance may contact Rail Madad on 139.
