Train services resumed in the Kashmir Valley on Monday after remaining suspended for around 11 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Train services have been resumed partially between Baramulla and Banihal.
“A dry run of 137 km was carried out on Sunday between Baramulla and Banihal,” an official of the Northern Railways said.
“In the partial resumption of operations, the service will have two runs daily between Banihal and Baramulla,” the official said.
The train service from Banihal in the Jammu division to Baramulla in Kashmir division has 17 stations in between.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said this will enhance ease of movement and provide a big boost to the tourism sector.
Earlier, the Railways said that no date has yet been fixed for resumption of all passenger train operations. Railways has been increasing the number of train services in a graded manner.
“Already more than 65 per cent trains are running. Over 250 plus trains were added in January alone and more will be added gradually,” a spokesperson said.
Currently, only special trains which are fully reserved are in operation across the country along with some suburban train services. All regular train services were cancelled since March 25 when the coronavirus lockdown was announced.