Swaraj Express Stranded Between Jammu And Katra For 24 Hours Amid Heavy Rainfall

The 12472 Swaraj Express was stranded on the railway line between Jammu and Katra for 24 hours on Tuesday after boulders struck the track amid heavy rainfall in the region. Hundreds of passengers were forced to spend the night inside the halted train. A rescue operation was launched, but efforts were delayed because the nearby road was also damaged, hindering access. Local authorities are currently working to remove debris and restore connectivity.

The incident occurred during a period of intense rainfall in Jammu, which has disrupted normal life across the region. On the same day, a landslide near the Vaishno Devi Shrine claimed the lives of over 30 people and left several others injured. The local administration immediately initiated rescue operations, but heavy rains and damaged infrastructure have complicated relief efforts. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has advised pilgrims to postpone their yatra until weather conditions improve.

PM Modi Pays Tributes to Landslide Victims

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to those who lost their lives in the landslide. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said: "The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected. My prayers for everyone's safety and well-being."

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that he is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar. He noted that SDRF, NDRF, Paramilitary forces, Army, and Air Force are coordinating with the civil administration to manage the crisis.

Singh added in an X post, "The immediate priority is restoration of electricity, water supply, and mobile services, for which authorities have been working continuously overnight. We appeal to the public to remain calm and cooperate with each other and the authorities."