Reeling back to normalcy, inter-Kashmir railway services to resume after 100 days of shutdown

Srinagar, November 7: As Jammu and Kashmir reels back to normalcy, the government will restart inter-Kashmir railway services from November 11. Restarting after 100 days of closure, Jammu and Kashmir brings an end to the travails of hundreds who have to travel between north and south Kashmir. Along with it, the Short Messaging Services (SMS) on cell-phones will also be restored in the coming days on a trial basis.

 

The Kashmir Divisional Commissioner, Baseer Ahmad Khan said, “Railway officials, district officials and the police held meetings to discuss the restoration of railway services in Kashmir. Railway authorities are asked to restore train services in the Valley from next week.” Khan directed the Northern Indian Railway authorities on Wednesday to conduct a track inspection within the next three days. The trial run will be held on November 10. The resumption of services will be from November 11.

Top police officials, including Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police, Railways, and Chief Controller, Northern Railways, have shared their inputs on the restoration of the services. Deputy Commissioners of the districts where the tracks are laid, which included Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Sopore and Awantipora, also attended the meeting chaired by the Divisional Commissioner in Srinagar.

Twenty-six trains, carrying commuters from Baramulla in north Kashmir to Banihal in south Kashmir, ply on a daily basis. The service that started in 2009 came to a halt this year on August 5, the day Centre decided to revoke J&K’s autonomous status. The SMS and Internet services have remained suspended in Kashmir for over three months. The security agencies fear the services could be misused to mobilise street protests.