Jammu, 01 August 2026: Due to heavy rainfall and inclement weather, the Srinagar to Udhampur section of National Highway-44 was closed. Keeping in view the convenience of passengers stranded at Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway stations, Jammu Division took immediate action and operated special trains today, 01 August 2026, from Budgam to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and back to Budgam.
Talking about the train schedule, the special train from Budgam departed at 13:00 hrs from Budgam and reached Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 16:20 hrs with halts at Srinagar, Banihal, and Sangaldan stations. On the return journey, the train departed from *Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 17:05 hrs and reached Budgam at 20:30 hrs via Sangaldan, Banihal, and Srinagar.
In addition, a one-way special train was also operated from Banihal to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. This train departed from Banihal at 16:30 hrs and reached Katra at 18:30 hrs.
These special trains provided assistance to approximately 2,200 passengers in reaching their destinations safely and on time. This initiative not only gave great relief to the stranded passengers but also helped in reducing crowds at stations, providing alternate transport facilities, and giving prompt assistance to passengers in an emergency situation. A large number of passengers appreciated and expressed gratitude for this prompt and passenger friendly service by Railways.
Shri Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu said, _”The safety and convenience of passengers is our top priority. As soon as we received information about NH 44 being closed, Jammu Division immediately decided to operate special trains so that stranded passengers could get relief. Today, around 2,200 passengers availed these trains. I appreciate the promptness and dedication of our railway staff. Jammu Division remains committed to providing safe and convenient travel to passengers even in any emergency situation in the future.”_
Northern Railway, Jammu Division requests all passengers to pay attention to announcements made at stations and obtain updated information before travel. For any assistance, passengers can contact Rail Madad 139.