How is J&K Addressing NH Disruptions with Special Train Services?
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Synopsis
As the Jammu-Srinagar highway faces disruptions, Northern Railways steps in with a special train service between Katra and Banihal. This timely initiative, running for 15 days, aims to alleviate transportation woes for the public while ensuring the safe movement of goods, especially for local apple growers. Discover how this service is making a difference!
Key Takeaways
- Special train service introduced for public convenience.
- Service duration: 15 days from September 19.
- Train operates between Katra and Banihal.
- Stops include Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, Sangaldan, Sumber, Khari.
- Parcel trains are aiding local fruit growers.
Jammu, Sep 19 (NationPress) In an effort to alleviate the challenges faced by residents due to the disruption of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, the Northern Railways will initiate a special train service on Friday, running for a duration of 15 days between Katra and Banihal.
According to officials, this train will commence operations between Katra and Banihal stations for 15 days starting September 19, providing a necessary alternative to ensure safe and efficient travel for the public amidst the highway's closure.
Previously, on September 8, a special local train service was launched between Katra and Sangaldan to assist stranded passengers due to the highway closure in the Udhampur district.
“This train will operate from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Banihal for 15 days from September 19 to September 30,” officials stated.
“The train will depart from Banihal at 11 a.m., arriving at Katra by 1:30 p.m., with halts at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, Sangaldan, Sumber, and Khari stations along the route.”
“Conversely, the train will depart from Katra at 1:45 p.m. and reach Banihal by 4:10 p.m., stopping at the same stations.”
“Passenger safety and convenience remain our top priorities. With road transport suspended in the Banihal and Katra areas, this special train service serves as a crucial alternative to ensure safe and efficient public travel,” railway officials remarked.
Near the Tharad bridge in Udhampur district of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, approximately 50-60 meters of the highway had subsided, prompting the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to lay an alternative route. Over the past two days, more than 4,800 fruit-laden trucks utilized this alternate stretch to transport apples from the Valley to outside markets.
Apple growers and traders in the Valley have experienced significant losses due to the ongoing disruption of the highway, with many fruit-laden trucks stranded at various points along the highway, resulting in rotting fruit that growers had to dispose of.
To support the fruit growers, the Railways also operated parcel trains to transport fruit from Kashmir to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged for additional parcel trains to be operated to safeguard Kashmir's horticulture industry from incurring further losses.
Point of View
It’s essential to recognize the proactive measures being taken by the Northern Railways. Their initiative to introduce a special train service not only offers an alternative travel option but also addresses the pressing needs of local growers and traders. As a nation, we must support and highlight such efforts that contribute to public welfare and economic stability.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the special train service?
The special train service will operate for 15 days, starting from September 19 to September 30.
What are the departure and arrival times of the train?
The train departs from Banihal at 11 a.m. and reaches Katra by 1:30 p.m. It also departs Katra at 1:45 p.m. and arrives in Banihal at 4:10 p.m.
What stations will the train stop at?
The train will make stops at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, Sangaldan, Sumber, and Khari stations.
How is the railway service supporting local apple growers?
The Railways is running parcel trains to transport fruit from Kashmir to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi to assist local apple growers facing losses.
Who has requested additional parcel trains?
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has requested more parcel trains to support the horticulture industry in Kashmir.
