Jammu: Northern Railway has cancelled three passenger trains operating on the Banihal–Baramulla rail section in Kashmir from July 11 to July 25 to facilitate scheduled track maintenance aimed at ensuring safer and more reliable railway operations during the summer season.
According to the Jammu Division of Northern Railway, the maintenance work is being undertaken to strengthen the railway track and improve operational safety on the Banihal–Baramulla section.
As part of the maintenance schedule, Train No. 74615 Banihal–Baramulla, Train No. 74632 Baramulla–Budgam and Train No. 74628 Budgam–Banihal will remain cancelled throughout the period from July 11 to July 25, 2026.
Railway authorities said the maintenance work is essential to keep the track safe and ensure smooth train operations during the busy summer season.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest train status before commencing their journey through the IRCTC website, mobile application, the nearest reservation counter, or Rail Madad helpline (139). The Railways expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and sought passengers’ cooperation during the maintenance period.
Meanwhile, in a move aimed at easing passenger congestion during the summer holidays and upcoming festive season, Northern Railway has extended the operation of the Chhapra–Pathankot–Chhapra Weekly Special trains.
According to the revised schedule, Train No. 05193 Chhapra–Pathankot Weekly Special, which operates every Monday and was originally scheduled to run up to July 13, will now operate from July 20 to September 28, 2026, completing 11 additional trips.
Similarly, Train No. 05194 Pathankot–Chhapra Weekly Special, which runs every Wednesday and was earlier notified up to July 15, has been extended from July 22 to September 30, 2026, and will also undertake 11 additional trips.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, said the decision was taken in response to sustained passenger demand.
“Keeping in mind the continuous demand from passengers, we have decided to extend the trips of these special trains. Our aim is to provide additional travel options for passengers travelling between Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and ensure they reach their destinations conveniently. Indian Railways will continue to take such passenger-friendly initiatives from time to time,” he said.
Northern Railway reiterated that passengers should verify train timings and operational status through official railway platforms before planning their journey, particularly during the maintenance period in the Kashmir Valley.
