While people of the Valley were very excited to welcome train services between New Delhi and Srinagar, some reports, besides the time table issued by Northern Railways, has somewhat, dampened the excitement as the timetable suggests train services between Katra and Srinagar and vice versa only. Does that mean, passengers travelling to Delhi will have to deboard at Katra and change the train?
A television network, quoting railway officials has reported that trains either coming from Srinagar or returning to New Delhi will stop at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station in Katra, Jammu, where passengers will have to board another train to complete their journey. As per the report, all passengers will have to deboard and exit the station at Katra, get their luggage re-scanned at the departure lounge before boarding the train stationed at platform number 1 for their onward journey. The same train will not continue to further destinations, and passengers will have to wait for the next train to proceed. Officials have cited security concerns as the reason behind this arrangement.
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The timetable for train services to Kashmir issued by Northern Railways, in a way, authenticates the television report as the schedule mentions that one Vande Bharat Express and two Mail Express trains will run daily between SMVD Katra and Srinagar. Although the Railways had issued the train timings, there was no mention of the onward journey from Katra to other destinations.
If the reports are correct, there will be no direct train service between Srinagar and Delhi and that is what is baffling the people of Kashmir Valley. They were expecting a direct train to have a hassle-free journey. Now that, if passengers have to deboard at Katra, go for another security check and then catch the next train to further destination, the travel becomes for hassled. If a train travel to Jammu takes 6 to 7 hours, why should anyone from Srinagar chose the train when he/she can drive to Jammu in just four hours.
Security should be the priority but logically a direct train from Srinagar to Delhi or Jammu and vice versa could be more secure than changing trains enroute. Like Srinagar, Jammu and Delhi airports, fool-proof security arrangements should be made at these three railway stations. Logically, ample security check at main stations is more advisable than making passengers to deboard at other station, exit and then re-scan their luggage before boarding another train. It will waste much time of passengers, make their journey uncomfortable and make the entire process vulnerable, security-wise. The railway authorities should clear the air about the issue.
