Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Aug 19: Flash floods due to heavy rainfall and releasing of dam waters into Punjab rivers forced the cancellation as well as diversion of several trains, which also included some of those originating from Jammu or arriving here.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Rishikesh Hemkund Express among four trains were cancelled today while seven trains, including Jammu Tawi-Ahmedabad Express, Ahmedabad-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express, Bathinda-Jammu Express, Udhampur-Ahmedabad Janambhoomi Express and Jammu Tawi-Bathinda Express were diverted to other routes.
“There is excess water in the drains and rivers due to heavy rainfall and releasing of dam waters into rivers in the whole of Punjab. This is affecting Rail traffic over drains and rivers and even in plains. Thus, diversions and cancellations were ordered,” Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Ferozpur Division, Rajesh Aggarwal told the Excelsior .
Even as the Northern Railway was trying its best to avoid inconvenience to the passengers, sources said that more trains are likely to be cancelled and diverted to other routes because of the prevailing flood situation in Punjab and other States.
Because of no let up in heavy rainfall and releasing of excess dam waters in the Punjab rivers, Rail traffic is likely to remain affected till the water level recedes, sources added.
Pertinent to mention that fresh floods in Satluj and Ravi rivers have created a calamity like situation in Punjab thus forcing people at several places to run for safety or spend nights on rooftops. Thousands of acres of paddy, vegetable and other crops have been totally damaged and cattle heads have either washed away or died.
According to a spokesperson of the Northern Railway, the 14610 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Rishikesh Hemkunt Express train, journey commencing on 19.08.2019, remained cancelled and consequently the 14609 Rishikesh – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Hemkunt Express train, journey commencing on 20.08.2019 will also remain cancelled.
Similarly, the 14522/14521 Ambala-Delhi Jn-Ambala Express train and the 14681/14682 New Delhi-Jalandhar City- New Delhi Express train, journey commencing on 19.08.2019, also remained cancelled.
Further, the spokesperson added, the 19224 Jammu Tawi-Ahmedabad Express train, journey commencing on 19.08.2019, was diverted to run via Pathankot-Jalandhar City-Ludhiana-Moga-Firozpur while the 19415 Ahmedabad – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express train, Journey commencing on 18.08.2019 and 19225 Bathinda- Jammu Tawi Express train, journey commencing on 19.08.2019 were diverted to run via Firozpur- Ludhiana-Jalandhar City.
The 19108 Udhampur -Ahmedabad Janambhoomi Express and 19226 Jammu Tawi-Bathinda Express train, journey commencing on 19.08.2019 were diverted to run via Jalandhar Cantt- Ludhiana- Firozpur . The 14617 Saharsa-Amritsar Jansewa Express and 12317 Kolkata -Amritsar Akal Takhat Express trains , journey commencing on 19.08.2019 was diverted to run via Hapur-Meerut City-Saharanpur while the 13308 Firozpur-Dhanbad Ganga Satluj Express train, journey commencing on 19.08.2019 , was diverted to run via Firozpur-Moga-Ludhiana.
“As a repurcation of Rail traffic disruption on Ambala – Saharanpur section, Ambala Division and some parts on Ferozpur Division, these trains have been cancelled and diverted,” said Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway.
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