Rail service disrupted

Banihal, Jan 23: Rail services on the Baramulla-Banihal section were partially affected due to the continuous snowfall on Friday.

After operating a few morning services, train operations were suspended for the day, officials said.

A railway official said that a train on each side was operated, from Banihal to Srinagar and from Sangaldan to Baramulla, in the morning.

Vande Bharat trains were also operated on the Srinagar-Katra route during the early hours. However, snowfall covered several track sections, forcing the suspension of most of the train services till afternoon.

With improvement in weather later in the day, Vande Bharat and local trains were operated between Katra-Srinagar, Baramulla-Sangaldan and Banihal-Baramulla, enabling hundreds of stranded passengers to reach their destinations.

Meanwhile, several tourists from outside J&K, including women and children, were stranded at Banihal Railway Station.

Railway staff arranged heaters, refreshments, and tea for the passengers and ensured their comfort until services were restored.

The stranded tourists were later sent towards Srinagar after the resumption of the train operations.