Special Train Service Launches Between Katra and Sangaldan to Aid Stranded Passengers

Jammu, Sept 8: In response to the road closure of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway due to flash floods and landslides, Northern Railways has launched a **special local train service** between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Sangaldan to assist stranded passengers across the Reasi and Ramban regions. This marks the first-ever passenger train service on this 63 km route on this corridor.

Service Details & Coverage

The fast-track services, identified as Trains **04685** (Katra → Sangaldan) and **04686** (Sangaldan → Katra), will run **from September 8 to September 12**—just for five days. The morning train departs Katra at **8:40 am**, reaching Sangaldan by **10:00 am**; the return trip leaves at **2:15 pm**, arriving at Katra around **3:45 pm**. Intermediate stops include **Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga, and Sawalkot**.

Affordable & Inclusive Relief for Locals and Pilgrims

The train is unreserved and priced affordably, charging just **₹20** for a 63 km ride—making it accessible to residents, students, pilgrims, and workers affected by disrupted road transport. On its first day, over **460 passengers** boarded from the Katra station.

Railways & Officials' Actions

This special service was initiated at the behest of local administration—coordinated by officials including the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager and Operations Manager of Northern Railways. Meanwhile, efforts continue to reopen the highway and restore the usual Jammu–Katra shuttle service, which was also disrupted by landslides and heavy rain.

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Sources: Daily Excelsior, Indian Express, Kashmir Ahead

Labels: Special Train, Flood Relief, Katra-Sangaldan Route, Northern Railways, Stranded Passengers

Tags: #SpecialTrain #KatraSangaldan #FloodRelief #NorthernRailways

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