The Jammu Division ofNorthern Railway achieved another milestone today by successfully operating aspecial train—Train No. 04689/04690 (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra toBanihal)—between Katra and Banihal. Through this special train service, morethan 1,000 passengers completed their journeys, thereby significantlystrengthening rail connectivity in the region.
This special service wasintroduced with the specific objective of providing improved connectivity forpassengers traveling from Kashmir to Katra, particularly in light of roadtraffic disruptions caused by heavy rainfall. Departing from Katra, the traincarried a large number of tourists alongside local residents, all of whomtraveled with great enthusiasm. Furthermore, passengers thoroughly enjoyedtheir journey while profusely appreciating this initiative undertaken by theJammu Division.
According to the RailwayAdministration, the primary objective behind this successful operation is toensure safe and rapid transportation across challenging terrains. Stringentarrangements regarding security and passenger amenities were implemented at thestation to ensure that travelers did not face any inconvenience. In the nearfuture, the frequency of this train's operations may be further increased, subjectto demand and prevailing circumstances.
The highlight of thisinitiative was the successful operation of the train itself, which facilitatedthe travel of over 1,000 passengers, thereby providing them with superior anddirect rail connectivity. This special unreserved train service between ShriMata Vaishno Devi Katra and Banihal is scheduled to operate once again on April10.
Continuing this series ofspecial trains, Train No. 04679/04680—a special service connecting Shri MataVaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar—is scheduled to operate from April 11 to April15. Passengers holding either reserved or unreserved tickets may availthemselves of this train service for their journeys. The train schedule is asfollows:Train No. 04679 will depart from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 10:10AM 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 MataVaishno Devi Katra at 7:00 PM. En route, this train will make scheduled stopsat Reasi, Sangaldan, and Banihal railway stations in both directions. Commentingon the successful operation of the train, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager,Uchit Singhal stated, "Due to ongoing heavy rainfall and landslides in theregion, road traffic on the National Highway (NH-44) has been completelydisrupted. Considering the difficulties faced by passengers—particularlydevotees visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and local residents—the Railways hasdecided to operate a special train service between Katra and Banihal.
Our primary objective isto provide a safe and convenient travel option for stranded passengers. On itsinaugural day today, the train carried over 1,000 passengers. The passengershave highly appreciated this special train service. Keeping this commendableinitiative in mind, and with the aim of providing even better facilities tolocals and tourists, a special train service has once again been launchedbetween Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. Both reserved and unreservedpassengers are eligible to travel on this train."Passengers are requestedto avail themselves of this special train service.
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