Northern railway announces special Budgam–Katra train
Northern railway announces special Budgam–Katra train
In view of the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) due to heavy traffic disruptions, Northern Railway on Saturday announced a special train service between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers.
According to an official communication, a copy of which was accessed by the news agency that, the decision was taken following a surge in passenger rush at Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway stations after the highway closure.
The communication said the proposal has been approved by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu.
“As per the schedule, the special train will depart Budgam at 1:00 pm and reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 4:20 pm, with scheduled halts at Srinagar 1:12–1:17 pm, Banihal 2:15–2:17 pm and Sangaldan 2:58–3:00 pm,” it reads.
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“On the return journey, the train will depart Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 5:05 pm and arrive in Budgam at 8:30 pm. It will halt at Sangaldan 5:50–5:52 pm, Banihal 6:40–6:42 pm and Srinagar 8:00–8:02 pm,” the communication said.
“The special service has been introduced to ease passenger movement until normal traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is restored. It will operate with scheduled halts at Srinagar, Banihal and Sangaldan in both directions,” the communication added.
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Northern Railway Extends Train Cancellations Until Aug 14
Northern Railway has extended the cancellation of three passenger train services operating on the Banihal–Budgam–Baramulla section till August 14, 2026, in view of the continuation of scheduled track maintenance works.
According to a fresh notice issued by the Office of the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, the previously suspended train services will continue to remain cancelled from July 31 to August 14 (JCO) to facilitate pre-BCM high-temperature destressing of Long Welded Rails (LWR) in the Banihal–Baramulla section.
The services whose cancellation has been extended are:Train No. 74615: Banihal–Baramulla;train No. 74632: Baramulla–Budgam; and train No. 74628: Budgam–Banihal
The extension means that the 10:50 a.m. Banihal–Baramulla passenger train, a key service for daily commuters, students and office-goers travelling between Banihal and various stations in the Kashmir Valley, will also remain suspended during the extended period.
Railway officials said the extension is necessary to complete the planned track maintenance and rail destressing works aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of train operations. Passengers have been advised to make alternate travel arrangements and check the latest train schedules before commencing their journey.