Jammu/Srinagar: When heavy snowfall snapped Kashmir’s road and air connectivity earlier this week, leaving thousands of tourists stranded, the Northern Railway stepped in with a critical “lifeline.” Officials confirmed today that the Special Reserved Trains operated between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar (SINA) on January 27 and 28 provided relief to over 3,000 passengers, running at full capacity when no other mode of transport was available.
While the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has officially reopened today (Jan 29), this rail operation proved to be the only reliable link for the last 48 hours.
The Operation: 100% Occupancy & Extra Coaches
The decision to run special trains was taken swiftly after flights were cancelled and the highway was closed due to slippery conditions at the Jawahar Tunnel. This service bridged the critical gap left by the non-operation of the regular Vande Bharat Express, which was suspended for safety and maintenance during the heavy snow alert.
- Immediate Response: Realizing the magnitude of the stranded crowd, authorities added two additional AC coaches to the rake on Wednesday (Jan 28).
- Impact: This addition provided 144 extra berths immediately.
- Official Statement: Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Jammu), stated, “The occupancy of these special trains was over 100%. The revenue generated also increased due to the extra coaches. It was a vital step to build confidence among tourists visiting Kashmir during winter.”
Schedule That Saved the Day
To manage the heavy rush, Northern Railway operated different schedules on consecutive days to maximize throughput.
Day 1: Tuesday, Jan 27 (Train 04627/04628)
- From Katra: Departed at 08:10 AM.
- From Srinagar: Departed at 2:00 PM.
Day 2: Wednesday, Jan 28 (Train 04629/04630)
- From Katra: Departed at 10:30 AM, carrying over 800 passengers up to the valley.
- From Srinagar: Departed at 3:00 PM, bringing over 850 passengers back to the Jammu region safely.
Current Status: Highway Reopens
As of today, Thursday, Jan 29, the crisis has eased.
- NH-44: Traffic has resumed for passenger vehicles (LMVs) from both sides. However, a single-lane restriction is in place at Kishtwari Pather due to road sinking.
- Air Traffic: Flight operations at Srinagar Airport have normalized with improved visibility.
Key Highlights
- Total Beneficiaries: 3,000+ passengers in 2 days.
- Critical Action: 2 extra AC coaches added to manage rush.
- Current Travel Advice: Rail remains the safest bet, but road travel is now open with caution.
FAQ Section
A1: No. The special reserved trains (04627/29) were scheduled specifically for Jan 27 and 28 to handle the snowfall disruption. Regular train services have now resumed.
A2: Yes, it is open for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs). However, travellers are advised to drive slowly near Banihal due to a sunken road stretch at Kishtwari Pather and slippery conditions.
A3: You can book tickets via the IRCTC website or the NTES app. During winter disruptions, checking train status before reaching the station is highly recommended.
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