Two significant railway bridges on the Jammu–Pathankot route sustained considerable damage during heavy rains and flooding in August–September this year. A team headed by Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu Division, Vivek Kumar, conducted a comprehensive inspection of stations and railway sections to assess safety protocols, passenger amenities, and restoration efforts, according to a spokesperson for the Jammu railway division.
As part of the visit, Kumar unexpectedly inspected the railway section between Jammu and Pathankot Cantonment, the spokesperson stated. During this inspection, railway bridge number 17, situated between Kathua and Madhopur, and railway bridge number 137, located between Ghagwal and Hiranagar, were thoroughly assessed, he noted. Senior officials from the division were also present during the examination.
The primary goal was to evaluate the progress of repair and restoration work on the bridges affected by the recent rains to facilitate the prompt resumption of full train services, as indicated by the PRO.
Focusing on passenger safety, the railway administration had already begun repair work, which is proceeding efficiently, he added.
The day prior, a high-level safety committee from the Northern Railway headquarters conducted a detailed inspection of the railway station and various operational facilities in Jammu.
This inspection was led by the principal chief safety officer, alongside divisional railway manager Vivek Kumar, with other senior officers from the Jammu division also in attendance.
Officials reported that the committee performed a thorough review of passenger safety and operational readiness, scrutinizing key facilities, including the Jammu station yard panel, lobby, and coaching depot. The inspection also addressed the signalling system, maintenance of railway tracks, and technical factors related to train operations, they added.
During their visit, the Northern Railway officers engaged with ground-level staff and provided guidance on safety protocols, raising awareness about the necessary precautions to be followed during rail operations to ensure strict adherence to safety standards.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal stated that the main aim of the inspection was to ensure proper maintenance of safety infrastructure.
