Srinagar, Sep 01: In a major relief to commuters and pilgrims stranded due to the disruption of train services in Jammu region, Northern Railways on Monday introduced a special shuttle service between Jammu and Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
The temporary service, which began operations on September 1, will run until September 15, aiming to facilitate movement for stranded commuters, pilgrims, and personnel engaged in restoration efforts.
Rail connectivity across the region has remained severely affected since August 26, when heavy rainfall and flash floods led to multiple breaches and track misalignments on the Pathankot–Jammu section. More than 50 trains were cancelled on Monday alone, leaving thousands, including students, pilgrims, and government employees, stranded at various locations.
According to officials, four trains have been deployed exclusively on the Jammu–Katra stretch to ensure continued access to the Vaishno Devi shrine and surrounding areas. The shuttle schedule provides multiple travel windows, with departures from Jammu at 9:30 am and 6:00 pm, and return services from Katra at 7:00 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, and 8:00 pm.
On the inaugural day, the first train left Jammu at 9:30 am and reached Katra by 11:30 am, while a second departed at 6:00 pm, reaching Katra at 8:00 pm.
From September 2 onwards, the Katra–Jammu schedule has been expanded to include four daily services, covering morning, midday, and evening travel windows. The initiative is aimed at easing congestion and providing timely travel options for both daily commuters and returning pilgrims.
“The shuttle service has been started to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers, daily commuters, and labourers engaged in restoration work. So far, we have restored two pairs of trains, and more will follow in the coming days,” said Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr. DCM), Jammu, speaking to Rising Kashmir.
In parallel, Northern Railways has operated seven long-distance special trains over the past four days to evacuate stranded passengers from Jammu. A total of 5,784 passengers have been transported to their destinations through these services, officials confirmed.
The ongoing disruption has impacted both rail and road connectivity across Jammu division. Passengers were left waiting for days at railway stations, while road travel faced repeated suspensions due to landslides and waterlogging.
The crisis was exacerbated by a massive landslide near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, which claimed 34 lives. Restoration and relief operations continue on a war footing, with authorities working round-the-clock to normalise essential services.
Railway officials described the shuttle service as more than a temporary measure, stressing its importance as a lifeline for daily mobility in the region. For locals, particularly government employees, students, and small traders, the service offers a reliable and affordable transport option amid the ongoing disruptions. For pilgrims, it ensures uninterrupted access to the holy shrine, even as long-distance routes remain compromised.
