Heavy rain has been impacting Jammu and Kashmir since August 26, causing significant disruptions in the region. As of September 3, the Indian Railways announced that 68 trains traveling to and from Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra will remain cancelled until September 30 due to the severe weather conditions, highlighting the extent of the disturbances caused by the ongoing downpours and flash floods.
Over the past week, continuous rainfall has severely affected rail services in the Jammu division, leading to track misalignments and breaches, particularly along the Pathankot-Jammu route. The situation has left many travelers, especially pilgrims, stranded as road and rail transport ground to a halt. In fact, by Wednesday, 3 September, the region had seen an unprecedented 380 mm of rainfall, the highest recorded since 1910.
68 Jammu-Katra Trains Cancelled As Jammu And Kashmir Record Highest Rainfall Since 1910
Hence, keeping the current situation in mind, the Northern Railway confirmed the cancellation of 68 incoming and outgoing trains from the affected stations until the end of this month, though 24 services are gradually being restored.
To help those stranded, several train services have been temporarily introduced, including shuttle services between Jammu Tawi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, as well as long-distance routes like Jammu Tawi-Kolkata and Katra-New Delhi. An official shared that from September 1 to 15, four additional trains have been activated on the Jammu-Katra route for shuttle service.
Besides this, some of the trains that will resume service include the Sampark Kranti, Sealdah Express, Kantri Express, Trivandrum Express, and the popular Vande Bharat, which is set to restart operations on September 7.
In total, 5,784 stranded passengers have been transported on seven different trains from Jammu as part of the recovery efforts.
Due to the strong rainfall, both government and private schools in Jammu and Kashmir are closed today, September 4. An official order states that following a weather alert and ongoing heavy rains, landslides, and significant waterlogging in low areas, all schools in the Jammu Division will remain shut until September 5, 2025, to ensure the safety of students and staff. It also mentions that online classes should be held wherever feasible to continue educational activities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the region, predicting heavy rain through September 7.
