Chandigarh/Jammu: Train services on the Jammu route have been severely hit on Friday after widespread floods in Punjab and parts of the Jammu region. Railway authorities confirmed that 38 trains have been cancelled, including several premium services, causing major inconvenience to passengers traveling towards Jammu and Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
Among the cancelled services are the Vande Bharat Express (26405/26406), the Shri Shakti Superfast Express (22462), and the Shalimar Express. Long-distance trains such as the Bhagat Ki Kothi–Jammu Tawi Express, Ajmer–Jammu Pooja Express, Kanpur Central–Jammu Tawi Express, and Kolkata–Jammu Tawi trains have also been withdrawn for the day.
Several Delhi-bound and Katra-bound services, including the New Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, Kalka–Katra, Rishikesh–Katra, Subedarganj–Katra, Ghazipur City–Katra, Dr. Ambedkar Nagar–Katra, and Kanyakumari–Katra trains, are also off the tracks. Officials said in addition to cancellations, a few trains were forced to terminate mid-route due to track inundation.
Railway officials cited safety as the primary reason behind the sweeping cancellations. “Heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in Punjab and adjoining regions have made several tracks unsafe for operation. Services will be restored once conditions improve,” an official said.
Passengers have expressed frustration over the sudden disruption, as many were traveling ahead of festive gatherings and pilgrimages to Vaishno Devi. Stations at Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Pathankot witnessed long queues at inquiry counters, with travelers scrambling for alternative routes.
The suspension of services comes at a time when Punjab is already grappling with flood alerts following the release of excess water from dams and rivers. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and restoration of railway services will depend on weather conditions over the next 48 hours.
