New Winter Train Time Table Released for Katra–Banihal–Baramulla Rail Section, Effective from October 1, 2025
Indian Railways has officially released the revised winter train schedule for the Katra–Banihal–Baramulla railway section, which will be enforced from October 1, 2025. The updated timetable includes both Down (DN) and Up (UP) train movements along the crucial north-south railway corridor of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring smoother travel during the upcoming winter months.
The Katra–Banihal–Baramulla rail line serves as a lifeline for thousands of commuters, students, pilgrims and traders. Stretching across the Kashmir Valley and connecting it to the Jammu region, this railway network is not only vital for regular passenger mobility but also plays a key role in boosting tourism, pilgrimage travel to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, and trade activities between regions. With the onset of winter, Indian Railways has adjusted train timings to accommodate shorter daylight hours, fog-prone regions, and expected snowfall at higher altitudes.
Overview of the Revised Schedule
The revised timetable applies to train services operating between Baramulla, Budgam, Srinagar, Anantnag, Qazigund, Banihal and Katra. It includes express, passenger, and DMU services, clearly categorized between DN (Down Trains) travelling from Katra towards Baramulla and UP (Up Trains) moving from Baramulla towards Katra.
According to the schedule, multiple daily services have been retained to maintain uninterrupted transportation, with adjustments made primarily to departure and arrival timings at intermediate stations. The frequency of trains has been strategically regulated to ensure that even during harsh weather conditions, commuters have viable travel options throughout the day.
Key Highlights of the Winter Time Table
- Effective Date: 01 October 2025
- Applies To: All passenger services between Katra and Baramulla via Banihal and Srinagar
- Format: Separate listings for DN (Katra to Baramulla) and UP (Baramulla to Katra) directions
- Objective: Regulate movement during winter while ensuring safety and punctuality
- Beneficiaries: Pilgrims to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, students, government employees, traders, and local commuters
Major Timings – First and Last Trains
While the full timetable contains dozens of entries, the following summary highlights the earliest and latest train services from both ends of the route:
| Route | First Train Departure | Last Train Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Katra ➝ Banihal/Baramulla (DN) | Early Morning (Approx. 05:00–06:00 hrs) | Late Evening (Around 19:30–20:00 hrs) |
| Baramulla ➝ Katra (UP) | Early Morning (Approx. 05:30–06:30 hrs) | Late Evening (Around 20:00 hrs) |
Exact timings for each station vary as per train category and halts. Passengers are advised to verify their specific service before travel.
Importance of the Route for Jammu & Kashmir
The Katra–Banihal–Baramulla section is one of the most strategic railway corridors in India. It links the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, offering a dependable alternative to road travel which is often disrupted due to landslides, snowfall, or highway closures on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
- Pilgrimage Connectivity: Devotees arriving at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra, can now conveniently continue their journey towards Srinagar or Baramulla.
- Student Mobility: Thousands of college and school students rely on these trains daily to commute between towns like Anantnag, Budgam, Sopore, and Srinagar.
- Economic Linkage: The schedule also benefits small traders and vendors, who use the rail service to transport goods between districts.
Official Timetable Image
The full Winter Train Time Table issued by Indian Railways is provided below for reference:
[Official Winter Timetable Image – Katra to Baramulla (Effective 01.10.2025)]
Source: Indian Railways
(Insert Image Here on Website)
Passengers are encouraged to download or screenshot the timetable for daily reference.
Advisory for Passengers
Due to the changing weather conditions during October–February, Indian Railways has urged passengers to follow certain precautions:
- Arrive at stations 15–20 minutes earlier than usual to accommodate possible delays due to fog or track clearance.
- Elderly and differently-abled passengers should opt for daytime trains where visibility and platform assistance are better.
- Winter clothing and warm water are recommended as some halts like Banihal and Qazigund experience significant temperature drops even during the day.
- Students and government employees using monthly season tickets (MSTs) must renew passes in advance to avoid queues during the peak season.
Railway Authorities to Monitor Operations Closely
Railway officials have assured that track maintenance, snow clearance operations, and signal visibility systems have been reinforced in anticipation of weather disruptions. Additional patrolling teams will be deployed in high-altitude zones to ensure passenger safety during heavy snowfall.
Should conditions worsen, Indian Railways may temporarily reschedule or merge services, with advance intimation to the public via station announcements and social media channels.
The release of the New Winter Train Time Table for the Katra–Banihal–Baramulla rail corridor marks an important step towards ensuring reliable connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir during the cold season. By adjusting train schedules to align with winter-specific challenges, Indian Railways has demonstrated proactive planning and commitment to public convenience.
Passengers are advised to refer to the official timetable image, plan their travel accordingly, and stay updated through railway helplines and station noticeboards.
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For any additional queries or clarifications, feel free to request a station-wise breakdown or downloadable table format of the timetable
