Jammu Rly Division to operate special Katra-Banihal train service for 15 days

Jammu, Sep 18: The Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railways on Thursday announced it will operate a special train service from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Banihal from tomorrow for 15 days to address Srinagar-Jammu National Highway-related travails of people due to damaged stretches.

The service, commencing on September 19, 2025, will continue till October 3, 2025.

As per railway authorities, a special service is being started according to the request of the divisional administration of Jammu for the provision of starting train service between Katra and Banihal on a temporary basis until road connectivity is fully restored.

“The decision to operate this special train was taken under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar and under the guidance of the division's Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal and Senior Divisional Operations Manager Arish Bansal,” said Public Relations Inspector of the Jammu Railway Division Raghvender Singh.

“Road traffic in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway has been affected due to heavy rains and waterlogging. The division had previously operated a special train for passengers between Katra and Sangaldan. However, due to damage caused by heavy rains, road traffic has currently been disrupted. Following the demand of local residents and the state administration, a special train has been decided. This train will run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Banihal for 15 days, from September 19, 2025, to October 3, 2025," said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Railway Division, Uchit Singhal.

According to Singhal, trains No. 04688 and 04687 will run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal-Katra.

“Train No. 04688, the Banihal to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special train, will run for 15 days from September 19th to October 3rd. The train will depart from Banihal at 11 am and arrive at Katra at 1.30 pm. It will stop at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, Sawalkot, Sangaldan, Sumber and Khari stations along the route. Similarly, Train No. 04687 will run between Katra and Banihal, departing from Katra at 1.45 pm and arriving at Banihal at 1.10 pm. Both trains will have stoppages at the same stations,” he informed.

Regarding the operation of these special trains, Singhal and Senior Divisional Operations Manager Arish Bansal said, “The safety and convenience of passengers is our top priority in the division. With road services suspended in the Banihal and Katra areas, this special train will provide an important alternative to ensure safe and efficient travel for the public.”