New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Railways after taking due security audit and assurance by the Government Railway Police, Jammu and Kashmir, has restored train services in the Kashmir Valley.
According to an official statement, a total of 16 services are presently running in the Valley.
Notably, on November 7, due to heavy snowfall, the railway tracks were covered under 20 to 45 cm deep snow.
Rail snow cutting machines were pressed into the service to clear snow on railway tracks. The Srinagar–Baramulla and Srinagar–Banihal sections were cleared before permitting safe operation on railway track.
Accordingly, inspection and trial runs were undertaken between Srinagar–Baramulla section on November 10 and between Srinagar-Banihal section on November 16.
A limited passenger service of two pairs of trains between Srinagar-Baramulla was commenced at 45 kmph between 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs from November 12. Later, two pairs of train services were allowed to operate between Srinagar–Banihal Section from November 17.
Train services have been increased from five hrs to nine hrs between 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs. Further the section has been restored to its normal speed of 100 kmph.
A total of 16 services are presently running. The first train starts at 0805 hrs and all train services terminate at 1700 hrs, the statement said.
During the winter season, snowfall often halts the movement of vehicles in the valley and train is considered the best mode of transportation. The Indian Railways has restored train services to benefit thousands of local commuters to travel by train over the entire area between 138 km stretch of Baramulla to Banihal, the statement said.
