Jammu, Apr 09 (KNO): The Jammu Division of Northern Railway achieved another milestone today by successfully operating a special train—Train No. 04689/04690 (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Banihal)—between Katra and Banihal.
According to a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), through this special train service, more than 1,000 passengers completed their journeys, thereby significantly strengthening rail connectivity in the region.
This special service was introduced with the specific objective of providing improved connectivity for passengers traveling from Kashmir to Katra, particularly in light of road traffic disruptions caused by heavy rainfall.
Departing from Katra, the train carried a large number of tourists alongside local residents, all of whom traveled with great enthusiasm. Furthermore, passengers thoroughly enjoyed their journey while profusely appreciating this initiative undertaken by the Jammu Division.
According to the Railway Administration, the primary objective behind this successful operation is to ensure safe and rapid transportation across challenging terrains. Stringent arrangements regarding security and passenger amenities were implemented at the station to ensure that travelers did not face any inconvenience.In the near future, the frequency of this train's operations may be further increased, subject to demand and prevailing circumstances.
The highlight of this initiative was the successful operation of the train itself, which facilitated the travel of over 1,000 passengers, thereby providing them with superior and direct rail connectivity.
This special unreserved train service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal is scheduled to operate once again on April 10.
Continuing this series of special trains, Train No. 04679/04680—a special service connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar—is scheduled to operate from April 11 to April 15. Passengers holding either reserved or unreserved tickets may avail themselves of this train service for their journeys.
The train schedule is as follows: Train No. 04679 will depart from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 10:10 AM and arrive in Srinagar at 1:35 PM.
On its return journey, Train No. 04680 will depart from Srinagar at 3:15 PM and reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 7:00 PM.En route, this train will make scheduled stops at Reasi, Sangaldan, and Banihal railway stations in both directions.
Commenting on the successful operation of the train, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Mr. Uchit Singhal stated, "Due to ongoing heavy rainfall and landslides in the region, road traffic on the National Highway (NH-44) has been completely disrupted.
Considering the difficulties faced by passengers—particularly devotees visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and local residents—the Railways has decided to operate a special train service between Katra and Banihal.
Our primary objective is to provide a safe and convenient travel option for stranded passengers. On its inaugural day today, the train carried over 1,000 passengers. The passengers have highly appreciated this special train service.
Keeping this commendable initiative in mind, and with the aim of providing even better facilities to locals and tourists, a special train service has once again been launched between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar.
Both reserved and unreserved passengers are eligible to travel on this train."Passengers are requested to avail themselves of this special train service—(KNO)