Budgam, Aug 29: Direct rail connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region was restored on Saturday with the resumption of train services between Budgam and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
The Jammu Railway Division of Northern Railway has reintroduced Train Nos. 04688 and 04687 on the Budgam-Katra route from August 29, providing passengers with a direct rail link between the Valley and the popular pilgrimage destination.
As per the revised schedule, Train No. 04688 will leave Budgam Railway Station at 7:20 am and reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 1 pm. The return train, No. 04687, will depart from Katra at 1:45 pm and reach Budgam at 8 pm.
The restoration of the service is expected to provide considerable relief to passengers travelling between Kashmir and Jammu, particularly devotees heading to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Students, employees and other daily travellers are also likely to benefit from the direct service.
Railway authorities said the move was aimed at improving passenger convenience and strengthening connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest operational status and train timings before travelling through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) mobile application, the Indian Railways website or helpline number 139.
