Srinagar: As the Kashmir Valley grapples with heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, the reliability of the rail network has become a matter of national importance. Ensuring the safety of this lifeline, Ashok Kumar Verma, General Manager (GM) of Northern Railway, conducted an extensive inspection of the critical Srinagar to Katra rail section today, January 29.
The visit focused on two non-negotiables: the structural integrity of the tracks during the freeze and the safety of the workforce keeping the line running.
“Boots on the Ground” at Critical Stations
The General Manager’s itinerary included meticulous checks at key stations including Srinagar, Pampore, Anantnag, and Qazigund.
- Passenger Amenities: Despite the harsh weather, ensuring passenger comfort remains a priority. The GM reviewed heating arrangements and waiting areas to ensure travelers are not inconvenienced by the cold.
- Infrastructure Health: Special attention was paid to the ongoing maintenance of tunnels and bridges, which are vulnerable to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Safety Check: Points, Switches & Turnouts
Railway operations in winter face a unique enemy: frozen tracks.
- The Inspection: Mr. Verma personally inspected critical track elements such as points, switches, and turnouts. These mechanical components are prone to freezing, which can lead to signal failures or derailments.
- The Order: Officials were instructed to maintain strict vigilance to ensure these elements remain fully operational despite the frost.
Staff Welfare: “Safety of Maintainers is Paramount”
A major highlight of the visit was the GM’s direct interaction with the track maintainers and ground staff who work in freezing conditions.
“The safety and well-being of our ground staff, who work tirelessly in sub-zero temperatures, is paramount,” Mr. Verma stated.
Acknowledging their hardship, he directed officials to provide necessary winter equipment and safety gear to all ground staff immediately.
Key Highlights
- Who Visited: Ashok Kumar Verma, GM Northern Railway.
- Key Locations: Srinagar, Pampore, Anantnag, Qazigund.
- Key Order: Immediate provision of winter safety gear for trackmen.
FAQ Section
A1: The valley is currently witnessing heavy snowfall. Inspections ensure that critical track components, specifically switches and points, do not freeze, which could disrupt the crucial rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir.
A2: Trains are running, and the route has been a lifeline recently. On Jan 27 and 28 alone, special trains carried over 3,000 passengers when road traffic was blocked. The GM’s visit ensures maintenance teams are ready for any further weather disruptions.
A3: As of January 2026, Ashok Kumar Verma is the General Manager of Northern Railway.
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