New Delhi
There were high expectations across the country for the launch of a new train service between Delhi and Srinagar. Indian Railways has recently given a big update regarding this, which is bad news for all those passengers who were dreaming of traveling from Delhi to Srinagar or Jammu without stopping. Indian Railways has announced that Srinagar bound trains will have to stop at Katra railway station in Jammu, and passengers will have to transfer there to board another train due to security reasons. This means that now the dream of direct train service between Delhi and Srinagar will remain unfulfilled for now.
PM Modi will inaugurate on 26 January
This new train service will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 January on the eve of Republic Day. This inauguration is taking place under a very big railway project, which was pending for almost three decades. Under this project, a rail connectivity will be established between Delhi and Srinagar, about which there was huge enthusiasm among the people.
Compulsory transshipment will be done at Katra station
Railway officials have said that all trains running between Srinagar and Katra will have to stop at Katra railway station. Passengers will have to alight here to change trains. Platform-1 located at Katra station will be dedicated for Kashmir bound trains. This has been done for security reasons, so that the transportation and security process of passengers can be done properly. At Katra station, passengers will have to get their luggage scanned again and then they will have to go to the platform to board another train. This transfer process may take additional time for passengers. Stopping at Katra station will add to the journey time, but this step is necessary for the safety and convenience of passengers.
Vande Bharat and Mail Express Trains
Northern Railway had already released the time table of this train service on 31 December 2024, in which it was told that one Vande Bharat and two Mail Express trains will run every day between Katra and Srinagar. These trains are expected to start from the end of 2024. The Vande Bharat train, which will be equipped with modern facilities, will leave Katra at 8:10 am and reach Srinagar at 11:20 am. On the other hand, Mail Express trains will depart from Katra at 9:50 am and 3 pm, reaching Srinagar at 1:10 pm and 6:20 pm respectively. Mail Express trains from Srinagar to Katra will depart at 8:45 am and 3:05 pm. Thus, Railways has ensured operation of trains even during afternoon and evening hours.
What will happen at Katra station?
After the arrival of every train at Katra station, all passengers will have to alight and go out of the station. Here they will have to get their luggage checked again and then wait for another train for onward journey. Platform-1 of Katra will be completely dedicated to trains going to Kashmir. This process will allow passengers to recheck their luggage, and will ensure that all passengers continue their journey without any hassles.
Passengers will face additional travel time
Passengers will face additional travel time due to the transshipment process at Katra station. However, this step has been taken for security reasons, and railway officials say that this process is necessary to ensure the safety of passengers. Passengers will have to get their luggage re-checked at Katra and then board another train for their journey. This can be a big blow for Delhiites who dream of going to Kashmir, because now they will have to change trains at Katra railway station to reach Srinagar directly. However, this step has been taken keeping in mind the safety of passengers. Now passengers will have to spend more time during their journey, but railway officials say that this process is necessary to make the entire travel experience safe and better.
