Jammu, May 26 (PTI) Restoration work on a key railway bridge in the Kathua–Madhopur section is nearing completion, paving the way for the resumption of normal train operations on both tracks connecting Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country from May 31, railway officials said.
Railway bridge number 17, located between Kathua and Madhopur, has been undergoing extensive repair and strengthening work, due to which train services have been operating on a single Up-line track for the past several weeks, they said.
The bridge was damaged in flash floods in September last year.
Officials said interlocking work on the section is scheduled to be completed on May 31, after which both the up and down lines will be reopened for regular traffic, significantly improving operational efficiency and easing congestion on the route.
“Despite several technical challenges, railway engineers worked round the clock to restore and strengthen the bridge. The restoration work is now in its final stages,” an official said.
With the reopening of the down-line track, trains that were cancelled or regulated due to the repair work will be restored from June, officials said.
The restoration is expected to bring major relief to passengers travelling to Jammu, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and other destinations in the Union Territory. It will also facilitate smoother movement of freight trains, boosting commercial activity and logistics operations, including transportation linked to defence requirements, they said.
Officials added that all trains will resume operations as per their scheduled timings, routes and designated halts once the section becomes fully operational.
The railway administration expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers during the repair period and thanked them for their patience and cooperation.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest train status through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), railway helpline 139, or official railway platforms before undertaking their journey. PTI AB AB NB NB
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