Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, May 26

The Jammu Railway Division on Tuesday said the down line of a key railway bridge on the Kathua-Madhopur section will become operational from June after completion of restoration work scheduled for May 31.

Railway officials said restoration work on bridge number 17, located between Kathua and Madhopur, is nearing completion and train movement on both tracks is expected to resume next month.

Raghvender Singh said the down-side track would be reopened after the work is completed.

“The restoration work of railway bridge number 17, located between Kathua and Madhopur rail section, is nearing completion. Upon completion of the work, the down side track will be restarted from June,” he said.

He said only the up-side single railway track had remained operational due to repair work on the bridge.

According to officials, interlocking work on the section will be completed on May 31, after which train movement on both up and down lines will resume normally.

Railway authorities said several trains cancelled during the repair period are also expected to be restored from June, following the resumption of operations on both tracks.

These include trains numbered 12549, 12550, 19415, 19416, 20847, 20848, 20985, 20986, 22941, 22942, 12207, 12208, 14611, 19107, 19108, 22705 and 22706.

Officials said the restoration will ease passenger movement to Jammu and to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, while also supporting freight transportation, commercial activity, and military logistics in the region.

Singh said railway engineers had worked continuously despite technical challenges to strengthen the bridge and restore operations.

He said the reopening of both tracks would ensure normal movement of trains as per scheduled timings, routes, and halts.

The railway administration expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers during the repair period and thanked them for their cooperation.

Passengers have been advised to check the latest train status through the National Train Enquiry System, Rail Madad helpline 139, or Indian Railways before starting their journey.