The Jammu division of Northern Railway has introduced several new facilities at Jammu Tawi railway station to streamline the movement of pilgrims for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, according to officials. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Uchit Singhal inspected the station with a team of commercial and operating officers to assess the arrangements and review preparedness.
New Holding Area and Water Supply
A spacious, fully covered passenger holding area has been set up within the station premises to accommodate hundreds of devotees. The area includes seating, lighting, fans, coolers, and drinking water facilities. Round-the-clock housekeeping staff have been deployed to maintain cleanliness. Railway authorities have also strengthened water replenishment on platforms to ensure an uninterrupted supply during the peak travel season.
24/7 Help Desk and Staff Deployment
Railway personnel, assisted by Scouts and Guides, have established a 24/7 help desk at the station to provide information on train schedules, platform details, medical assistance, and other passenger services. Senior railway supervisors, additional ticket-checking staff, commercial personnel, and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been deployed round the clock. Officials said CCTV surveillance has been intensified, with continuous monitoring from the railway's control room, and additional security personnel are stationed at the premises.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Train Operations
As part of infrastructure augmentation, platforms 4 and 5 at Jammu Tawi Railway Station have been commissioned for train operations. Officials noted that a train was operated from the newly commissioned platform on Friday. Regular public announcements are being made to keep passengers informed about train schedules and platform details.
Coordination and Pilgrim Advisory
During the inspection, Singhal directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure courteous behaviour towards pilgrims. The railway administration appealed to devotees to undertake the pilgrimage only after completing mandatory registration, purchasing tickets from authorised railway counters, avoiding accepting food or drinks from strangers, refraining from overcrowding on platforms, and contacting the station help desk or Rail Madad Helpline 139 for any assistance. Northern Railway's Jammu division said it remains committed to providing safe, comfortable and hassle-free travel to pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra.
