A special train service is being launched on Friday for 15 days between Jammu, Northern Railway Katra and Banihal to reduce the difficulties faced by people due to the disintegration of the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
Officials said the train would operate between Katra and Banihal stations for 15 days starting from September 19, which will serve as an alternative to ensure safe and efficient travel for the public after the disintegration of the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
Earlier, on 8 September, a special local train service was introduced between Katra and Sangalada to facilitate the trapped passengers in view of the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Udampur district.
“This train will run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Banihal for 15 days from September 19 to September 30.
“The train will depart from Banihal at 11 am and reach Katra at 1.30 pm, it will stop at Reasi, Bakkal, Duga, Solkot, Sangaldon, Sumbar and Khari stations.
“Similarly, the train will run between Katra and Banihal, depart from Katra at 1.45 pm and will reach Banihal at 4.10 pm and stop at the same stations in both trains.
Railway officials said, “We have a top priority in the safety and convenience of passengers. We have been suspended in Banhal and Katra regions with road services, this special train will provide an important option to ensure safe and efficient journey for the public”, said the railway officials.
Near the Tharad bridge in Udampur district of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, a 50–60 meters of the highway was submerged, and the men and machinery of the Bro have placed an alternative stretch in Tharad. During the last two days, trucks filled with more than 4800 fruit used this alternative stretch to carry apples in markets outside the valley.
Apple growers and traders in the valley have suffered heavy damage due to continuous disintegration of highway. The fruits loaded in trucks trapped at various points of the highway forced producers to dispose of rotten fruits.
This railway also run parcel trains to carry fruits from Kashmir to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi to support fruit growers.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has requested that more parcel trains be operated to ensure that the horticulture industry of Kashmir be saved from further damage.
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SQ/DPB