Train services restored on Anantnag-Badgam route in Kashmir

Rail services to the Kashmir Valley were restored today after a near five-month suspension due to widespread unrest.

Operations have resumed between Anantnag district in south Kashmir and the central district of Badgam today.

 According to an official, complete resumption of operations would happen in two phases with resumption of services from Badgam to Baramulla in the north in the next phase where repairs to the rail link are still to be completed.

Railway property suffered heavy damage, which included damage to rail tracks and stations, during the over five-month long unrest. Services were suspended from 31 July after mobs torched railway stations and uprooted tracks in several places.

According to the official, the decision to resume operations was taken at a meeting in Srinagar, on 15 December after the situation in the valley returned to normal.

Meanwhile, authorities have made elaborate arrangements to protect the tracks and other properties on the 119 km route between Anantnag and Baramulla.