Northern Railway has operated special trains between the Kashmir Valley and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to assist tourists and pilgrims stranded after the closure of the national highway in Jammu and Kashmir. The move is aimed at easing travel disruption caused by the road blockage.
With the highway shut, regular movement by road was affected, leaving many visitors searching for alternative ways to continue their journey. The special rail services provided a key link for people trying to travel between the Valley and Katra, an important base for pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine.
The decision highlights the role of rail transport during weather or route-related disruptions in the region, where road connectivity can be vulnerable. By adding special trains, the railway sought to reduce pressure on stranded passengers and improve access for those caught in the travel disruption.
The development comes as authorities work to manage the impact of the NH closure on public movement in Jammu and Kashmir. For pilgrims and tourists, the additional train services offered an immediate transport option at a time when normal travel plans had been interrupted.
