Special Train Service Commences from Budgam to Katra for Passengers
Northern Railway runs 15-day daily service to ease travel for passengers affected by road disruptions
Budgam, Sept 19: Railway authorities on Friday operated the first special train from Budgam to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, providing relief to passengers affected by the closure of the Jammu–Srinagar highway. The service will run daily for 15 days, from September 19 to October 3, 2025.
Officials said arrangements are in place to ensure smooth operations and accommodate increased travel demand during the highway shutdown, caused by heavy rains and waterlogging. Earlier, a special train service between Katra and Sangaldan had been disrupted due to road damage, prompting authorities to introduce this new service.
Under the supervision of Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, and Senior Divisional Operations Manager Arish Bansal, the train schedule has been announced as follows:
Train No. 04688: Departs Banihal at 11:00 am, reaching Katra at 1:30 pm, stopping at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, Sangaldan, Sumber, and Khari.
Train No. 04687 (Return): Departs Katra at 1:45 pm, arriving at Banihal at 4:10 pm with the same halts.
Senior railway officials emphasized that passenger safety and convenience remain the top priority. The special train provides a vital travel alternative while road services in the Banihal and Katra areas remain suspended.
