Train service suspended in south Kashmir for security reasons

Srinagar: Train service has been suspended on Saturday for security reasons in south Kashmir, where an encounter ensued between militants and security forces since late last Friday night in Anantnag.

However, trains will chug in north Kashmir as per scheduled, a senior railway official told UNI.

"We have again suspended all trains in south Kashmir following a fresh advisory received from police," he said.

Therefore, he said, no train will chug on Badgam-Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region on Saturday.

But, he said, trains will chug on Srinagar-Badgam and Baramulla in north Kashmir as per schedule.

Normally, trains witness heavy rush in the afternoon on Saturdays when people are going to their homes to avail Sunday. However, he said, railway authorities are acting on the advice of police and local administration who are taking the decision to suspend trains for security reasons in the interest of passengers and railway property.

In the past railway suffered heavy damages during protests in the valley. Last year rail service was suspended for more than 50 times, partially or fully for security reasons.

However, the rail service has become very popular in the valley which is being considered cheap, fast and safe against other mode of transport available.