J&K: Amid NH closure, Railways operates special trains to help stranded pilgrims
Northern Railway has introduced special train services between the Kashmir Valley and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to assist over 1,500 passengers stranded by road closures. The disruptions were caused by heavy rainfall, landslides, and shooting stones along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
JAMMU: Northern Railway operated special trains between Kashmir Valley and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to assist tourists and pilgrims stranded due to heavy rainfall, landslides and shooting stones that disrupted traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.A Jammu Division railway spokesperson said the initiative aimed to provide a safe and reliable travel alternative amid persistent road closures.A special train operated on July 24 departed Sangaldan at 1.45 pm, halted at Banihal and Anantnag, and reached Srinagar at 4.40 pm. On its return journey, the train left Srinagar at 5 pm and arrived at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 8.15 pm.Additionally, another train (74620) was extended from Sangaldan to Katra. On July 23, a special train operated between Srinagar and Katra.More than 1,500 passengers availed the special services.Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the decision to run the special trains was taken immediately after bad weather and road closures disrupted travel. He advised passengers to check train updates through the NTES app, IRCTC website or the 139 helpline before commencing their journey.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
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