In a major relief ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, railway operations to Jammu and Kashmir are set to resume from June 1 after restoration work on the damaged Ravi bridge section between Kathua and Madhopur was successfully completed.
More than 17 trains connecting Jammu and Kashmir with various parts of the country will restart operations, significantly improving rail connectivity to Jammu, Katra, and the revered Vaishno Devi Shrine pilgrimage route.
The restoration of the crucial railway section comes as a major boost for thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and local commuters expected to travel to the Union Territory during the upcoming Yatra season. Railway authorities had temporarily suspended several train services after damage to the Ravi bridge section disrupted movement on the vital rail corridor.
Officials said the resumption of train services will ensure smoother transportation arrangements for devotees visiting the Amarnath Cave Shrine and pilgrims heading towards Katra for darshan at the Vaishno Devi shrine.
The move is also expected to strengthen tourism and trade activities across Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the peak pilgrimage season. Authorities are making extensive preparations for the safe and smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, with enhanced transport, security, and public facilities being put in place.
The annual Amarnath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and is considered one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages in the country.
