SRINAGAR: In response to the continued disruption of road traffic along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Northern Railways has announced a special train service between Katra and Banihal. The service will run daily for 15 days, from September 19 to September 30, providing a vital alternative for passengers affected by the highway closure.
The decision follows persistent demand from local residents and the state administration after heavy rains and waterlogging damaged stretches of the highway in Udhampur district. Earlier, on September 8, Northern Railways had introduced a special local train between Katra and Sangaldan to help stranded travellers.
Senior Divisional Operations Manager Uchit Singha said, “This train will depart from Banihal at 11 am and reach Katra at 1.30 pm, halting at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, Sangaldan, Sumber and Khari stations. The return train will leave Katra at 1.45 pm and arrive at Banihal at 4.10 pm with the same stoppages.”
The service has been planned under the supervision of Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar with support from Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal and Senior Divisional Operations Manager Arish Bansal.
Emphasising the significance of the move, Bansal said, “The safety and convenience of passengers is our top priority. With road services suspended in Banihal and Katra, this special train will provide an important lifeline for safe and efficient travel.”
Northern Railways officials added that the continuation of such services would depend on weather conditions and road restoration work along the highway.
