NEW DELHI: Amid ongoing heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in the Kashmir Valley, General Manager, Northern Railway, Ashok Kumar Verma, on Friday, conducted an extensive inspection of the Srinagar–Katra rail section to review safety measures, passenger facilities, and the progress of infrastructure works.
During the visit, Verma inspected key stations including Srinagar, Pampore, Anantnag, and Qazigund. He reviewed passenger amenities at these stations to ensure commuter comfort during the harsh winter conditions. The General Manager also assessed ongoing maintenance and construction works on tunnels and bridges along the route.
Paying special attention to operational safety, Shri Verma personally inspected critical track components such as points, switches, and turnouts to ensure their smooth functioning despite freezing temperatures.
A key focus of the inspection was interaction with ground staff and track maintainers working in extreme weather conditions. Acknowledging their efforts, the General Manager sought firsthand feedback on the challenges faced during winter maintenance operations. Emphasising staff welfare, he said the safety and well-being of personnel working in sub-zero conditions remained a top priority.
He directed officials to ensure the immediate availability of adequate winter equipment and safety gear for ground staff, stressing that a well-equipped workforce was essential for maintaining uninterrupted rail operations during severe weather.
Concluding the inspection, Verma reviewed other ongoing infrastructure projects in the region and instructed officers to adhere to stipulated timelines, underscoring that developmental works should continue unhindered despite adverse climatic conditions.
