To aid stranded passengers, Railways to run Katra-Sangaldan special trains

For the convenience of passengers stranded due to the recent floods, the Jammu division of Northern Railways has announced the operation of special trains between Katra in Reasi district and Sangaldan in Ramban district for five days, starting Monday, September 8.

Railway services were disrupted due to heavy rainfall and a flood-like situation in the Jammu division, leaving many passengers stranded at various locations. Among them were numerous pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, who have already been safely transported to their destinations. Special trains were operated for these passengers, and arrangements for food and water were made at all major railway stations.

“However, due to the continuing rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, road transport in the region remains severely affected. In view of this situation, and keeping in mind passenger convenience, it has been decided to run local train service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Sangaldan from September 8 to 12. This decision is aimed at providing immediate relief to people stranded due to the floods during the ongoing rainy season,” said a railway official.

Train numbers 04685/04686 will operate between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Sangaldan.

Train number 04685, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Sangaldan Special, will depart from Katra at 8:40 am and arrive in Sangaldan at 10 am. It will stop at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, and other intermediate stations.

Train number 04686, operating in the reverse direction, will depart from Sangaldan at 2:15 pm and reach Katra at 3:45 pm, with the same scheduled stops as train 04685.

Speaking about the special services, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal and Senior Divisional Operations Manager Arish Bansal said that passenger safety and convenience remain the top priority for the Railways.

In an official statement, the railway authorities emphasised that with road services suspended in parts of Sangaldan and Katra, this special train service offers a crucial transportation option for the affected population, ensuring safe and reliable travel amid challenging weather conditions.