Katra-Srinagar Special Trains Rescue 3,000 Stranded Passengers Amid Heavy Snowfall in Kashmir

JAMMU, January 29, 2026 — In a critical move to alleviate travel disruptions caused by severe winter weather, over 3,000 passengers utilized the Northern Railway’s special train service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar over a two-day period.

Operated by the Jammu Division on January 27 and 28, these special reserved trains provided a vital lifeline for commuters and tourists stranded after heavy snowfall led to the suspension of all 50 flights at Srinagar airport and the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

To meet the surging demand, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal confirmed that two additional AC coaches were attached on Wednesday, adding 144 extra berths to the service. With a 100 percent occupancy rate, the initiative not only generated significant revenue but also bolstered passenger confidence in the railway’s ability to provide all-weather connectivity.

While road and air links have since been restored, the successful operation of these 10:30 am and 3:00 pm services underscores the railways’ growing role in stabilizing transit within the Union Territory during extreme weather events.