Northern Railways has decided to suspend train services between Qazigund and Banihal from 10 am to 3 pm, starting July 3 till completion of ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
“Train operations will remain suspended between Qazigund-Banihal railway section from 10 am to 3 pm till completion of Amarnath Yatra,” reads a communication issued by the Railway authorities.
Authorities have banned civilian traffic movement to allow free and secure movement of vehicles carrying Amarnath pilgrims on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only all weather road connecting the Kashmir valley with Jammu.
However, the decision evoked sharp reaction in the valley.
The government order said the ban on 97 km-stretch from Qazigund to Nashri between 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs on the civilian traffic movement will continue till the conclusion of the annual pilgrimage to holy cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas on August 15.
