Srinagar, Dec 15 : Train service was on Saturday suspended for security reasons in the Kashmir valley, where an encounter ensued between militants and security forces during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Pulwama.
“We have suspended all train runs in the Kashmir valley, following an advisory received from divisional administration and police early this morning,” a senior railway official told media.
He said that no train will run on Badgam-Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region for security reasons. Similarly, no train will chug on Srinagar-Badgam and Baramulla in north Kashmir, he added.
The official said that Saturday witnessed heavy rush of passengers in the afternoon when people, including employees, shopkeepers, salesmen are going to their homes to enjoy Sunday with their family members.
Meanwhile, large number of passengers, who had arrived at different railway stations in the Kashmir valley and Banihal, were disappointed, after they were informed about the suspension of train service. Agitated passengers said no prior information was provided by the railway department about the suspension of train service.
“We had to spent money to reach railway stations from different areas only to get information about the suspension of service,” passengers alleged.
Now the cabs and other mode of transporters will have a field day, they said, adding train is being considered cheap, fast and safe against other mode of transport available in the valley.
However, railway official said they cannot help as they had to act as per advisory from the police since the safety and security of passengers, railway staff and property are important. He said railway suffered huge damages during protests in the valley.
