Jammu, October 21, 2025 – Commuters in the Valley got a welcome upgrade today as Northern Railways stretched the Budgam-Banihal special train to Sangaldan for the next 30 days, tackling the heavy rush that’s jammed platforms since September. The extension, flagged off at 8 AM from Budgam station, adds 20 km to the route, easing travel for 2,000 daily riders from office-goers to apple haulers.
Rail officials at a 10 AM briefing in Srinagar explained: “Demand’s up with festive season and post-flood commutes; this ensures smoother rides.” For Jammu, where NH-44 floods delayed goods (4,000 homes hit in August), it’s a ripple – cheaper transport for Valley fruits to our markets. A Hindu trader from Raghunath Bazaar, loading crates at 11 AM: “Sangaldan link cuts costs.” Muslim students from Akhnoor, at a noon college chat: “Safer than roads.” Sikh families in Samba, planning Diwali trips, added at 1 PM: “Connectivity for all.”
Historically, J&K’s rails bridged divides since 2008’s Udhampur line.