Vaishno Devi Yatra: Dense winter fog continued to create widespread disruption in rail services at Jammu railway station on Thursday, extending passenger inconvenience for the second consecutive day. Poor visibility across large parts of north India severely impacted train movement, leading to multiple cancellations and long delays. Hundreds of travellers, including pilgrims heading for the Vaishno Devi shrine, were left waiting for updates as schedules kept shifting throughout the day.

Impact of Weather on Railway Operations

Railway officials confirmed that extremely low visibility conditions were the primary reason behind the operational setbacks. Fog affected signaling systems and required trains to operate at reduced speeds for safety reasons. As a result, traffic congestion built up on several major routes connected to Jammu, delaying both arriving and departing services. The situation highlighted how winter weather continues to challenge railway infrastructure during peak travel seasons.

Trains Cancelled Amid Persistent Fog

Several important services were cancelled entirely due to unsafe operating conditions. These cancellations caused significant inconvenience, especially for long-distance passengers who had planned journeys well in advance. The trains cancelled included the Delhi–Udhampur AC Express, Humsafar Express, Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express, and the Veraval–Somnath Express. Many passengers were forced to seek alternative transport or postpone their travel plans.

Major Delays Affecting Pilgrims and Long-Distance Travellers

Apart from cancellations, a large number of trains reached Jammu several hours behind schedule. The Shri Shakti Express arrived approximately two hours late, while the Jammu Rajdhani Express faced a delay of around one and a half hours. Hemkunt Express passengers experienced one of the longest waits, with the train running nearly three hours late. Other affected services included the Uttar Sampark Kranti Express, Shalimar Express, Pooja Express, Begampura Express, Siyaldah Express, Tatanagar Express, Sarvodaya Express, Malwa Express, and Navyug Express, with delays ranging from one hour to as much as three hours.

Limited Relief as Few Trains Remain On Schedule

In the midst of widespread disruption, there was limited relief for passengers on select services. The Jhelum Express managed to arrive on time, offering a rare moment of normalcy at the station. However, departures were also affected, as the Begampura Express left Jammu nearly two hours later than its scheduled time. These mixed outcomes added to confusion among passengers waiting for real-time updates.

Passenger Experience and Station Conditions

The prolonged delays resulted in crowded platforms and packed waiting areas at the station. Travellers reported frustration due to limited information and frequent changes in expected arrival times. Families with elderly members and children found the extended waiting periods particularly difficult. Railway staff were seen managing crowds and making periodic announcements, though fog-related uncertainty made precise updates challenging.

Advisory Issued by Railway Authorities

Railway officials advised passengers to remain cautious while planning journeys during the ongoing foggy conditions. Travellers were urged to check live train running status through official railway enquiry systems before leaving for the station. Authorities also indicated that such disruptions may continue until visibility improves across northern regions, especially during early morning and late-night hours.

Outlook for the Coming Days

Weather forecasts suggest that dense fog may persist in parts of north India, raising concerns about further disruptions. Passengers travelling to and from Jammu, particularly pilgrims and long-distance commuters, are advised to keep buffer time in their schedules. The situation serves as a reminder of the seasonal challenges faced by rail operations during winter months and the importance of preparedness for weather-related delays.