Katra–Sangaldan Special Local Service Rolls Out to Aid Stranded Passengers: J&K

Northern Railways has introduced a special passenger train service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Sangaldan following the closure of the Jammu–Srinagar national highway in Udhampur district.

The five-day service, which began on September 8, is aimed at assisting passengers stranded due to the disruption. It marks the first time a local passenger train has run on the Katra–Sangaldan section.

The train halts at Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga and Sawalkot before reaching Sangaldan. Train number 04685 departs Katra at 08:40 and arrives in Sangaldan at 10:00, while the return service, train number 04686, leaves Sangaldan at 14:15 and reaches Katra by 15:45. Fares have been fixed at Rs 20 per passenger.

On the opening day, railway officials reported that 464 passengers boarded the service from Katra. The arrangement is scheduled to continue until September 12.

Authorities said the trains were introduced in response to requests from local administration, with the aim of providing relief to travellers facing difficulties caused by the highway closure.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh welcomed the move, noting that it would also allow essential goods to be transported up to Sangaldan, from where they could be distributed onwards by road. He expressed hope that the highway might reopen soon, depending on conditions.