Since the pandemic revealed to be the Thanos level threat to the world, everything almost every other country went into lockdown mode. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Railways passenger train services were cancelled on March 25, 2020. But now, there’s finally good news for the Union Territories; the Indian Railways, on February 22, resumed train services in the Kashmir valley Banihal-Baramulla section. Let’s find out more!
Indian Railways Resumes Train Services In Kashmir After 11 Months
The Indian Railways has resumed their train services in the Kashmir valley. The train will leave from Baramulla at 9.10 am and then from Banihal at 11.25 am. In between this 137 km journey, there are 17 stations. According to the Railway Ministry, the resumption of train services will help enhance the tourism sector in the Kashmir valley and help generate income.
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Banihal-Baramulla Section Trains Restart; 1100 People Travelled On First Day
The Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted about this. He said, “Railways to resume train operations in Kashmir valley on Banihal-Baramulla section from February 22, with two services operating initially. This will enhance ease of movement and provide a big boost to the tourism sector.” During summer, 35,000 to 40,000 commuters use the train services daily, while in winters, the number drops to around 25,000 people.
Railways to resume train operations in Kashmir valley on Banihal-Baramulla section from 22nd February, with two services operating initially.
This will enhance ease of movement and provide a big boost to the tourism sector. pic.twitter.com/vlWReFJFbI
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 21, 2021
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Indian Railways To Connect Kashmir To Rest Of India
According to the Financial Express, the Indian Railways aspire that in two years, they would link Kashmir with the rest of India. The development work for the most challenging 111 km long section of Indian Railways’ Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla rail link (USBRL) project will be completed by December 2022 would be the lifeline to Kashmir. The construction work is estimated to cost ₹28,000 crores. Under this project, three sections have been commissioned. They are the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section, 25 km Udhampur-Katra section, and 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section. The last remaining section is the 111 km Katra-Banihal section. Until you visit the gorgeous state of Kashmir, here’s a fun vlog to help you plan your future trip.