Title - More trains on cards for Eid

Srinagar: The Railways in Kashmir is contemplating to arrange more trains to reduce the rush of passengers during the festival days.The rail service is a big hit among the people, especially during the Eid festivity as other mode of public transport is usually not available across the Valley.“To cater to the rush for three days after the Eid, we have sent a proposal to the Divisional Headquarters of Northern Railways, Ferozepur Division, for additional services,” said the railway official at Budgam.“We are waiting for their approval and once we get the nod, which we expect any time now, we will be able to run two more trains between Qazigund in south Kashmir and Baramulla in north Kashmir,” he said.The proposal to increase the number of trains was mooted in view of the past experience when the Railways officials and the GRP had to face tough time during the Eid-ul-Fitre festivity in August when many trains were damaged as the passengers could not get seats in the trains.Chief Area Manger, Budgam Northern Railways, AK Sharma said: “All the necessary arrangements had been made for smooth service during the Eid. All the trains will run on schedule and all necessary arrangements are in place for the smooth service.”A total of 10 trains will ply between Qazigund and Baramulla and the first train starts in the morning from south Kashmir’s Qazigund station to Srinagar and another leaves central Kashmir’s Budgam station for Baramulla station in north Kashmir. According to railway officials, as many as 7,000 passengers travel every day during the autumn season. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had inaugurated the Valley's first phase of rail service between Anantnag and Budgam district on October 11, 2008.The second phase of the train between Budgam and Baramulla was flagged off by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on February 14, 2009, followed by the  third phase between Anantnag to Qazigund by the Prime Minister on October 28, 2009.

The journey

A total of 10 trains will ply between Qazigund and Baramulla

The first train starts in the morning from south Kashmir’s Qazigund station to Srinagar

Another train will leave central Kashmir’s Budgam station for Baramulla in north Kashmir

Rail services

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had inaugurated the Valley's first phase of rail service between Anantnag and Budgam district on October 11, 2008

The second phase of the train between Budgam and Baramulla was flagged off by Sonia Gandhi on February 14, 2009

The third phase between Anantnag to Qazigund was inaugrated by the Prime Minister on October 28, 2009