Good news for Jammu travelers – Northern Railways is bringing back key train services starting today, September 21, 2025, after weeks of cancellations from heavy rains and flooding. The Jammu division, hit hard by August’s downpours, saw lines washed out and stations waterlogged, leaving folks stuck without their usual rides. Now, with safety checks done, four long-distance trains are back, including the popular Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra route kicking off from tomorrow. It’s a big sigh of relief for pilgrims, families, and daily commuters who have been relying on buses or long drives.
The rains caused chaos across the tracks, with landslides blocking paths and debris piling up near Udhampur and Katra. Services to and from these spots were halted for safety, affecting thousands who use the rails to connect to the rest of India. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal announced the restart as part of the third phase of restoration, saying teams worked non-stop to clear the mess. Jammu Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar led the reviews, making sure bridges and tracks are solid before letting trains through. The first trains to resume include routes to Dr Ambedkar Nagar and other major stops, easing the pressure on road travel that’s been jammed since the floods.
For Jammu city folks, this means shorter trips to Delhi or Mumbai without the hassle of crowded buses. Rural areas like Katra, home to the Vaishno Devi shrine, see it as a lifeline for pilgrims – the yatra has been running smoother since resuming last week, but trains make it easier for those coming from far. One commuter from Udhampur shared how the cancellations forced him to spend extra on taxis, adding to the flood recovery costs. With the shrine drawing crowds again, the rail link is key to keeping things moving without overwhelming the highways.
The restoration isn’t full yet – some short routes might take longer, and officials are watching the weather closely with light showers possible. But it’s a step forward for a region still picking up the pieces from the rains that turned rivers into raging waters. Northern Railways is urging passengers to check the IRCTC app for schedules and book early, as demand is high. This move ties into the bigger push for better connectivity in Jammu, where roads are still bumpy from repairs. If you’re planning a trip, it’s time to dust off those tickets – Jammu’s on the move again.