Jammu, May 28, 2026 : The restoration work on Railway Bridge No. 17 between the Kathua and Madhopur rail section, which was severely damaged during flash floods and heavy rainfall in August last year, is now in its final stage. Railway authorities have confirmed that the project will be completed by May 31, paving the way for the resumption of normal train services from June.
According to railway officials, the damaged bridge has undergone extensive strengthening and repair work over the past several months. During the restoration period, only the up line remained operational, causing disruptions and cancellations of several major train services. With the completion of the down line restoration, both tracks will soon become fully functional, ensuring smoother and more efficient rail traffic movement.
Officials stated that interlocking work on the section is also progressing rapidly and is scheduled for completion by May 31. Once finalized, train movement on both the up and down lines will resume under normal operations from the beginning of June.
Several major train services that were cancelled or affected due to the bridge damage are now set to be restored. These include train numbers 12549, 12550, 19415, 19416, 20847, 20848, 20985, 20986, 22941, 22942, 12207, 12208, 14611, 19107, 19108, 22705, and 22706, among others.
A railway spokesperson praised the dedicated efforts of engineers and technical teams who worked continuously despite challenging conditions to restore and reinforce the bridge infrastructure.
“The restoration of this railway section will significantly ease travel for passengers heading towards Jammu, Katra, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. It will also strengthen freight movement, commercial transportation, and military logistics in the region. All trains will soon operate as per their scheduled timings, routes, and halts,” the spokesperson said.
The reopening of both rail lines is expected to provide major relief to passengers and improve connectivity across the region after months of restricted rail operations.
