Jammu Division’s rail traffic has been suspended for the third consecutive day due to extensive damage caused by flash floods, which have severely impacted key railway infrastructure. The misalignment of Bridge Number 17, along with breaches on multiple tracks, has left the region’s rail network paralyzed. As a result, Northern Railway has announced the cancellation of 40 scheduled trains to and from Jammu, further stranding thousands of passengers across various stations. With no immediate resolution in sight, rail services are expected to remain disrupted for several more days. The situation continues to cause widespread inconvenience for travelers, particularly those headed to major destinations like Vaishno Devi, as authorities work to repair the damaged infrastructure.
Bridge Number 17, a critical structure on this route, was severely affected by the flash floods, disrupting rail services across the Jammu Division. Multiple breaches have been reported along the track, and authorities are warning that repairs could take several more days. With the ongoing adverse weather conditions, the Northern Railway has announced that rail services in the region will remain paralyzed for the foreseeable future.
Train Cancellations and Alterations Affect Hundreds of Passengers
The current situation has resulted in the cancellation of 40 scheduled trains, including 24 Up trains that were set to arrive in Jammu from various cities across India, and 16 Down trains due to depart from Jammu, Katra, and Udhampur stations. In addition to these cancellations, 12 trains have been short-terminated or diverted to alternative routes, causing further confusion and disruption.
This widespread disruption has affected thousands of travelers who were planning to use the railway to reach Jammu Division. As the suspension of services continues, Northern Railway is urging passengers to monitor the status of their trains closely, as ongoing weather conditions make it difficult to predict the restoration timeline.
Special Trains and Assistance for Stranded Passengers
To provide relief for stranded passengers, Northern Railway, in collaboration with local administration and the Railway Police, has launched two special trains. These trains have transported more than 3,000 passengers to their destinations despite the prevailing travel chaos. However, these trains have been limited in capacity, and many passengers remain stranded at major stations across the region.
To further assist stranded travelers, provisions of food and water have been arranged at key stations such as Jammu, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Pathankot Cantt, and Pathankot City. Authorities are working hard to ensure that stranded passengers are not left without essential supplies as they wait for their next available train.
In addition to the special trains, local officials have been working to ensure that passengers have access to adequate shelter, especially at stations where passengers have been forced to wait for extended periods. The collaboration between the Railway Police, District Administration, and local authorities is essential in managing the ongoing situation.
Impact on Local Economy and Tourism
The ongoing rail disruption has caused significant concerns for the local economy, especially tourism. Jammu, Katra, and other cities in the region depend heavily on rail traffic for the transportation of pilgrims and tourists to key destinations like Vaishno Devi. With services canceled, the region is seeing a sharp decline in the number of visitors, affecting local businesses and tourism-related activities.
The cancellation of trains has led to a temporary drop in tourist arrivals, and local businesses are feeling the pressure of lower foot traffic. Hotels, restaurants, and transportation services that rely on the influx of travelers are facing reduced demand, affecting the broader economy. Pilgrims who were scheduled to visit spiritual sites in the region have been forced to adjust their plans or seek alternative modes of transport, further compounding the challenges faced by the tourism sector.
Despite the current difficulties, authorities are hopeful that rail services will be restored soon, which will allow tourism to resume and help stabilize the local economy. However, it remains uncertain when services will be fully operational again, and the situation is being monitored closely.
Steps for Affected Passengers
For those whose travel plans have been disrupted, there are several actions that passengers can take to manage the ongoing situation. First, travelers are advised to regularly check the status of their trains on official railway apps or websites. The status of trains may change due to the dynamic nature of the disruption, so staying informed is critical.
Passengers who have pre-booked tickets for cancelled trains are eligible for refunds or rescheduling options. Railway ticket counters are providing assistance for passengers seeking refunds or adjustments to their travel dates. Additionally, passengers can reach out to customer service for help with rebooking or making alternative travel arrangements.
While the situation remains fluid, passengers are encouraged to prepare for delays and disruptions. Some travelers may need to arrange for alternative accommodation at stations or in nearby towns, as services are expected to remain paralyzed for a while. Local authorities are working with nearby hotels and accommodation providers to offer affordable options for stranded passengers.
The continued suspension of rail traffic in Jammu Division has left thousands of passengers stranded and disrupted travel plans across the region. The cancellation of 40 trains and the short-termination of 12 others have compounded the difficulties faced by travelers. The situation is expected to persist for several days due to ongoing infrastructure damage caused by flash floods and soil erosion.
Rail traffic in Jammu Division has been suspended for the third consecutive day due to flash floods causing severe infrastructure damage, leading to the cancellation of 40 trains and stranding thousands of passengers.
Authorities are working tirelessly to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore services, but passengers are advised to stay updated on the status of their trains and to check official channels for the latest information. In the meantime, special trains, food and water provisions, and other support measures are in place to assist stranded passengers. Once services are fully restored, it is hoped that the tourism and local economy in Jammu Division will return to normal.
The post Jammu Division Rail Traffic Suspended for the Third Consecutive Day as Flash Floods Cause Major Damage to Infrastructure, Leading to the Cancellation of Forty Trains and Stranding Thousands of Passengers: New Update appeared first on Travel And Tour World.from Travel And Tour World https://ift.tt/st81lxc
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