Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The Railways have decided to restore the local train service between Katra and Budgam from Saturday, August 29, after keeping the service restricted for nearly two months. The decision will provide passengers with a more convenient and affordable travel option and help them avoid traffic congestion on the highway.
Katra-Budgam Train Service Restoration
Northern Railways decided after receiving the required security clearance from different security agencies. As part of the move, local trains numbered 04687 and 04688 will once again operate between Katra and Budgam in both directions.
The train service had been restricted to the Budgam-Banihal section from June 29, 2026, ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra. At that time, the Railways had decided to operate the service between Budgam and Banihal until August 31, 2026, or until further instructions.
According to railway sources, the annual Amarnath Yatra ended on Friday. Following this, the Jammu Division approached Northern Railways to restore the local train service up to Katra. The required security clearance was received on Friday night, after which the decision was taken to resume services from August 29.
The local train has become an important mode of transport for passengers travelling between Budgam and Katra. It is particularly useful for people who cannot get reservations on the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express or cannot afford its higher fares. Unlike the Vande Bharat service, the local train is much more affordable and stops at most stations along the route for smooth travel. The fare for travelling between Budgam and Katra by the local train is only Rs 50, making it affordable even for daily wage workers. In comparison, travelling the same distance by taxi or bus can cost between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000.
With the service restored, passengers will once again have an economical and convenient alternative to road transport, helping them save both money and travel time while avoiding highway traffic.