Train Cancellations in Jammu Division to Continue Till June 2026 Due to Flood Damage: Northern Railway
By: Javid Amin | 29 January 2026
Bridge and Track Repairs Push Back Restoration; Vande Bharat Likely to Resume in April
Rail Disruptions to Continue Longer Than Expected
The Northern Railway has announced that train cancellations and curtailed operations in the Jammu division will continue until June 2026, extending beyond the earlier restoration timeline.
The prolonged disruption is due to ongoing bridge and track repair work, necessitated by heavy rainfall and flash floods in August 2025, which caused extensive damage to railway infrastructure in parts of the Jammu region.
Railway officials said the scale of structural repairs has required more time than initially anticipated.
Earlier Restoration Timeline Missed
When services were suspended following the floods, normal operations were expected to resume by March 2026. However, engineering assessments later revealed:
-
Severe damage to multiple rail bridges
-
Track instability in flood-affected stretches
-
The need for phased reconstruction rather than temporary fixes
As a result, Northern Railway has now extended cancellations and short-terminations until end-May and early June 2026.
Stations and Routes Most Affected
The disruption has particularly impacted key stations in the Jammu division:
-
Jammu Tawi (JAT)
-
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
-
Udhampur (UHP)
These stations serve as critical hubs for pilgrimage, defence movement, and long-distance passenger traffic, making the prolonged disruption especially significant.
Around 20 Trains Remain Cancelled or Short-Terminated
According to railway notifications, around 20 long-distance and premium trains remain affected, including several popular services:
-
Garib Rath Express
-
Duronto Express
-
Humsafar Express
-
Jammu Mail
-
Other long-haul services connecting Jammu with Delhi, Kathgodam, and northern cities
Many trains are either fully cancelled or short-terminated before reaching Jammu or Katra, reducing direct connectivity.
Partial Relief Expected in April
Northern Railway has indicated that some relief may come in April 2026, with:
-
Vande Bharat services expected to resume partially, subject to completion of critical safety work
Officials stressed that even April resumption will be selective, and passengers should not expect a full return to pre-flood schedules until all bridge and track works are certified safe.
Full Restoration Targeted for June 2026
Railway authorities now expect:
-
Completion of bridge reconstruction and track stabilization by late May
-
Gradual normalization of services in early June 2026
The restoration timeline remains weather-dependent, particularly ahead of the pre-monsoon season.
Impact on Passengers and Pilgrims
Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage
-
Pilgrims travelling to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra are among the worst affected
-
Reduced direct trains have increased dependence on road and air travel
Connectivity Challenges
-
Fewer direct rail options between Jammu and major cities
-
Increased travel time due to short-terminated services
-
Higher travel costs due to shift toward flights and road transport
Advisory for Passengers
Northern Railway has advised passengers to:
-
Regularly check official train notifications
-
Confirm train status before planning journeys
-
Consider alternative modes such as road or air travel
-
Book tickets well in advance once limited services resume
Why the Repairs Are Taking Time
Railway officials explained that:
-
Flood-damaged bridges require complete structural rehabilitation, not patchwork
-
Safety clearances involve multiple technical inspections
-
Restoring traffic without full repairs could pose long-term risks
The extended timeline, they say, prioritises passenger safety over speed.
Key Takeaway
Train travel in the Jammu division will remain disrupted until June 2026, with only limited relief expected from April. Passengers, pilgrims, and daily commuters should plan travel accordingly and rely on official railway updates for schedule changes.
While the delay is inconvenient, railway authorities maintain that comprehensive repairs are essential to prevent future disruptions and ensure safe operations.
