Two significant railway bridges on the Jammu–Pathankot route experienced severe damage due to heavy rains and flooding during August–September this year. A team headed by Divisional Railway Manager of the Jammu Division, Vivek Kumar, performed a detailed inspection of stations and railway segments to assess safety protocols, passenger facilities, and restoration efforts, a spokesperson for the Jammu railway division stated.
As part of this visit, Kumar conducted an unannounced inspection of the railway section between Jammu and Pathankot Cantonment, according to the spokesperson. During this inspection, railway bridge number 17, situated between Kathua and Madhopur, and railway bridge number 137, located between Ghagwal and Hiranagar, were meticulously examined, he noted. Senior officials from the division accompanied him during the inspection.
The primary aim was to evaluate the progress of repair and restoration work on the bridges affected by the recent rains, ensuring the prompt resumption of full train services, the PRO shared.
Emphasizing passenger safety, the railway administration has already commenced repair operations, which are advancing well, he added.
On the previous day, a high-level safety committee from the Northern Railway headquarters conducted a thorough inspection of the railway station and various operational facilities in Jammu.
This inspection was led by the principal chief safety officer, joined by divisional railway manager Vivek Kumar and other senior officials from the Jammu division.
Officials indicated that the committee conducted an exhaustive review of passenger safety and operational readiness, scrutinizing key facilities such as the Jammu station yard panel, lobby, and coaching depot. The inspection also encompassed the signalling system, track maintenance, and technical aspects concerning train operations, they revealed.
During their visit, Northern Railway officers engaged with ground-level staff to advise them on safety protocols, raising awareness about essential precautions to be adhered to during rail operations for strict compliance with safety standards.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal remarked that the main goal of the inspection was to ensure the proper upkeep of safety infrastructure.
