Jammu, Dec 9 (NationPress) To assist passengers stranded due to disruptions in air travel, Northern Railways announced a special Vande Bharat train service from New Delhi to Udhampur, set to operate for three days beginning December 12, according to railway officials.

Officials from the Jammu division of Northern Railways confirmed the launch of this special train to aid those affected by the recent wave of flight cancellations.

Extensive interruptions in air services, primarily caused by numerous flight cancellations by IndiGo, have left many passengers anxious and stranded at both Srinagar and Jammu airports.

For the past three days, stranded travelers have been protesting due to uncertainty regarding flight resumption to reach their intended destinations.

In emergency situations, officials state that the Jammu division of Northern Railways implements special train services for the safety and convenience of passengers.

Currently, there is a surge in passenger numbers due to ongoing flight cancellations, prompting the Jammu division to initiate a special Vande Bharat service between New Delhi and Udhampur, railway authorities indicated.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal stated, "The special trains — 02439 New Delhi-Udhampur Vande Bharat and 02440 Udhampur-New Delhi Vande Bharat — will operate three trips in each direction from December 12 to 14, providing a secure and cost-effective travel solution for stranded passengers. Train No. 02439 will leave New Delhi at 6 a.m. and reach Udhampur by 2 p.m., making stops at Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Pathankot Cantt, and Jammu Tawi, among others.

Train No. 02440 is scheduled to depart Udhampur at 3 p.m. and will arrive in New Delhi by 11 p.m..

Singhal also mentioned that the special Vande Bharat will consist of 20 railway coaches.

Passengers are encouraged to verify accurate train information via the official Indian Railways website or the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) app before starting their journey," added the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager.

Currently, direct train services operate between Katra in the Reasi district of the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley.

Sources from Northern Railway indicate that preparations are in the final stages to establish direct train services between Jammu and the Valley by the end of the year.