The Indian Railways has launched a special train service from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Katra to New Delhi to assist travellers returning from the region.
This emergency transport measure, coupled with a help desk at Katra station, reflects the Railways’ swift response to mitigate travel disruption and ensure safe transit for tourists and pilgrims. Authorities confirmed that the special train departed at 9 PM on Wednesday and was scheduled based on immediate demand to alleviate the pressure of passenger rush. Officials from the Northern Railway zone also stated that additional services could be introduced should the need arise.
To ensure ease of access to transport, tickets for the special train have been made available over the counter at the Katra, Udhampur, and Jammu stations. This measure not only provides logistical relief but also helps prevent overcrowding and chaos during this tense period. The move by Indian Railways comes amid a broader response involving multiple sectors, including civil aviation, in the wake of the Pahalgam incident that left many travellers stranded or unsure of their return plans. The coordinated efforts reflect a commitment to public safety, seamless mobility, and responsive governance in times of crisis.
The aviation sector has also risen to the occasion. Major domestic carriers have issued travel relaxations for passengers impacted by the current circumstances. One private airline has extended a waiver on ticket rescheduling and cancellations for flights to and from Srinagar until April 30, applicable to all bookings made on or before April 22. Additionally, the airline is operating an extra flight from Srinagar to Delhi to meet the urgent travel requirements of affected passengers. Another national carrier has stepped in by capping airfares on key routes, including those between Srinagar and metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Officials have clarified that while capped fares are in place, travellers might observe higher rates on booking portals due to multi-stop routes or business class availability. Furthermore, the airline is offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds for confirmed bookings up to April 30.
Rail and air authorities have been commended for these measures, which exemplify an integrated approach to crisis response. With passengers often forming the most vulnerable group in times of regional instability, such interventions are crucial to maintaining trust in public infrastructure and services. In a broader context, this emergency response by Indian Railways and the aviation sector underscores the necessity of building resilient, people-centric transportation systems. It also calls for a stronger integration of crisis management protocols within the transportation ecosystem to address unforeseen disruptions, whether natural, civic, or security-related.
These actions also highlight the importance of sustainable and accessible public infrastructure that adapts swiftly to both routine and extraordinary challenges. The prompt establishment of a help desk and the scheduling of a special train from Katra to Delhi illustrate a commitment to ensuring that even during high-alert periods, passenger care and safety are not compromised. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have reassured the public that further measures, including additional train or flight services, will be considered based on real-time demand and evolving ground conditions.
As India continues to position itself as a safe and responsive destination for tourism, such agile interventions are essential to upholding the image of resilience and readiness in the face of adversity. The immediate support provided to passengers in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a people-first approach that must be embedded in all future infrastructure and mobility planning.
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