Banihal, Sept 20: The special train service between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra, which was announced earlier this week, commenced operations yesterday, September 19. The service will run until October 3.
Railway authorities said the temporary service has been introduced in view of the poor condition of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and frequent traffic restrictions.
Railway officials told Greater Kashmir thatbthe special train will halt at all major stations including Budgam, Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, Qazigund, Banihal, Khari, Sumber, Sangaldan, Sawalkote, Duga, Bakkal, Reasi, and Katra. Tickets are available at all these stations , they added. They said that the fare from Budgam to SMVD Katra is just Rs 50, while from Banihal to Katra it is Rs 30.
According to the timetable issued by the Railways, the train departs from Budgam at 08:45 AM and arrives in Banihal at 10:45 AM. It leaves Banihal at 11:00 AM and reaches Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station at 01:30 PM, with the return service departing at 01:45 PM.
The public has warmly welcomed this initiative, and demands are growing for the temporary service to be made permanent. Thousands of passengers are expected to benefit from the affordable, safe, and uninterrupted travel option.
