Why Did Two Special Trains Depart from Jammu with Over 1,200 Stranded Passengers?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable display of commitment, the Northern Railways has stepped up to assist over 1,200 stranded passengers in Jammu, dispatching two special trains amid severe flooding challenges. As infrastructure repairs continue, the question remains: how long before normal rail services resume in the region?
Key Takeaways
- Northern Railways operated two special trains to assist over 1,200 stranded passengers.
- 51 trains have been canceled due to severe flooding.
- Repair work on damaged railway infrastructure is ongoing.
- Normal rail services are not expected to resume for three to four weeks.
- Authorities are exploring special train services to facilitate travel.
Jammu, Aug 30 (NationPress) Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the nation amidst severe challenges posed by floods, the Northern Railways on Saturday dispatched two special trains from Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, accommodating over 1,200 stranded travelers.
As reported by officials, the Northern Railways organized these two special trains from Jammu station to help facilitate the journey of more than 1,200 stranded individuals to their respective destinations. This initiative comes in the wake of unprecedented monsoon disruptions that have severely affected rail services in the region.
On Sunday, the Northern Railways announced the cancellation of 51 trains scheduled to arrive and depart from Jammu and Katra stations, with three additional trains either short-terminated or short-originated at various points within the division.
The first special train, a reserved service from Jammu Tawi to Ambedkar Nagar, departed at 3 p.m. carrying approximately 674 passengers. The second train, heading from Jammu Tawi to Chhapra, left at 5 p.m. with over 560 travelers onboard, according to officials.
Despite ongoing efforts to repair damaged railway infrastructure, the restoration of regular rail operations to and from Jammu remains uncertain.
An official indicated that due to extensive damage to multiple railway bridges and tracks in Jammu division caused by flash floods and soil erosion, normal service is not expected to resume for the next few days.
In addition, breaches on tracks at various locations, including Bridge number 17 between Kathua and Madhopur and Bridge number 137 between Hiranagar and Ghagwal, have suffered significant damage.
"Although repair work is underway at a rapid pace, it is anticipated that complete restoration of the double track and the resumption of regular rail services will take approximately three to four weeks," sources reported.
Rail operations in Jammu division have been completely halted for the past four days due to the extraordinary rains and consequent flash floods, which led to soil erosion along railway tracks and bridges.
Aside from the two special trains operated on Saturday, two additional special trains were arranged on Wednesday and Thursday for stranded passengers.
During the last four days, there have been no arrivals or departures of any trains at Jammu, Katra, and Udhampur railway stations.
As the restoration of regular rail operations appears unlikely in the near future, authorities are exploring the possibility of running a few special trains on the single track to facilitate some travel between Jammu and Delhi.
According to sources, the track between Katra and Jammu is projected to be restored by Sunday, as the ongoing repair work on Bridge number 163 at Chak Rakwal approaches completion.
Point of View
The Northern Railways' actions reflect a strong commitment to public service in challenging times. The focus must remain on restoring normalcy for travelers while ensuring safety and infrastructure integrity. The nation's resilience shines through in such efforts, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation even during adverse conditions.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the disruption of rail services in Jammu?
The disruption of rail services in Jammu was primarily caused by unprecedented monsoon rains leading to flash floods and significant damage to railway infrastructure, including bridges and tracks.
How many special trains were operated for stranded passengers?
Two special trains were operated on Saturday, in addition to two more special trains that ran on Wednesday and Thursday to assist stranded passengers.
When can normal rail services be expected to resume?
Normal rail services are unlikely to resume for at least three to four weeks due to the extensive repairs required on the damaged infrastructure.
What are the authorities doing to assist stranded passengers?
Authorities have organized special trains to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers and are actively working on repairing the damaged railway infrastructure.
Is there ongoing repair work on the railway tracks?
Yes, repair work is currently being conducted on the railway tracks and bridges, with some sections expected to be restored soon.
