Intra-Kashmir train services likely to resume from February 17

After remaining suspended for nearly 11-months in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, intra-Kashmir train services is likely to resume from February 17 much to the joy of thousands of commuters.

On a normal day, at least 15 pairs of the train run regularly from Baramulla in north Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region (138 km) and carry almost 30,000 passengers, including students and employees. The suspension of the train services has put commuters to immense hardships.

Sources said the train services will resume by February 17 as the government would come up with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in this regard in the next few days.

Saqib Yousuf, Chief Manager Railways, said that once the government comes up with SOPs pertaining to Covid-19, train services will resume. He said the Railways suffered losses to the tune of crores due to suspension of train services, “but decision was taken for the wellbeing of people.”

Thousands of employees and students from north and south Kashmir, who have to travel to Srinagar daily, are the worst affected by the suspension of train services.

“The government has decided to open educational institutions when trains are not functioning normally. Why only train services have been kept suspended?” asked Rais Ahmad, a government employee.

“If train services are resumed, passengers can skip the Qazigund-Banihall portion which remains very slippery in winters and it can also reduce traffic jams on Srinagar-Jammu national highway as well,” he said.

Pertinently, Banihal-Baramulla train services resumed on November 11, 2019, after remaining suspended for around 100 days after the abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 that year.

The Government of India plans to connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari through train service and work on the project has been going on for years. However, it has been delayed due to several reasons which include hilly terrain where the train has to pass.