Northern Railway adds AC coaches to special trains
Srinagar: The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), spanning 270 kilometers, has been fully reopened for passenger traffic following its closure due to heavy snowfall.
Officials prioritized the clearance of light motor vehicles stranded in Qazigund, while ongoing snow removal efforts focus on vulnerable road sections. To enhance road safety, salt and urea were applied at critical locations, and commuters are advised to adhere to lane discipline to avoid congestion. Travelers are encouraged to check road conditions through Traffic Police social media channels. Flight operations at Srinagar Airport have resumed, with only minor delays in the morning due to poor visibility, but the rest of the day saw smooth arrivals and departures. Food and beverage outlets, as well as retail shops, remain operational, and the terminal is maintained at a comfortable temperature for passengers despite the cold weather. To mitigate travel disruptions, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway introduced special reserved trains between Katra and Srinagar, adding two extra AC coaches to accommodate an additional 144 passengers. Over 1,650 passengers utilized these special trains, achieving full occupancy and generating significant revenue. The Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Uchit Singhal, said that these trains provided essential relief to travelers during adverse weather conditions, with over 3,000 passengers using the service over two days. The high occupancy rates and increased revenue from the additional coaches are expected to bolster confidence in railway travel among tourists, potentially leading to a rise in visitor numbers to Jammu and Kashmir in the future.
