India / Train services within Kashmir resume today after almost a year

After remaining suspended for around 11 months owing to COVID-19, train services within Kashmir resumed on Monday. "Railways to resume train operations in Kashmir valley on Banihal-Baramulla section from February 22, with two services operating initially," Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted. The train runs from Banihal in Jammu to Baramulla in north Kashmir.

Vikrant Shekhawat : Feb 22, 2021, 04:40 PM

Sri Nagar: Train services resumed in the Kashmir Valley on February 22 after remaining suspended for around 11 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said this will enhance ease of movement and provide a big boost to the tourism sector.

“Railways to resume train operations in Kashmir Valley on Banihal-Baramulla section from 22nd February, with two services operating initially,” Mr. Goyal tweeted.

Jammu and Kashmir: Train services halted due to #COVID19 pandemic resume after a year in Srinagar

"I request all to continue wearing masks and abide by social distancing norms," says Abdul Rashed, Station Superintendent Railway Station pic.twitter.com/ljbHDkB4KN
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2021

Earlier, the Railways said that no date has yet been fixed for resumption of all passenger train operations.

The Indian Railways has been increasing the number of train services in a graded manner. “Already more than 65% trains are running. Over 250 plus trains were added in January alone and more will be added gradually,” a spokesperson said.

Currently, only special trains which are fully reserved are in operation across the country along with some suburban train services.

All regular train services were cancelled since March 25 when the coronavirus lockdown was announced.