A Vande Bharat train travelling from Katra to Srinagar chugged through snow-covered tracks near Banihal on Friday as Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall – the video of which quickly went viral on social media.
The visuals showed the semi-high-speed train moving smoothly through thick layers of snow, highlighting a landmark moment in rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The footage drew widespread appreciation online, with users calling the Katra–Srinagar rail link a long-cherished dream now coming true.
One user said, “Katra to Srinagar by rail is a huge accomplishment. It was a dream for decades which is now a reality.”
Another user said, “Those kinds of visuals make me believe that India is really developing.”
Flights Cancelled as Snowfall Disrupts Air Travel
While the railway operations continued unhindered, heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley led to the cancellation of all flights at Srinagar airport. Authorities said poor visibility and icy runway conditions made flight operations unsafe, prompting airlines to halt services.
In an updated statement, Srinagar Airport authorities confirmed additional cancellations due to ongoing snowfall and advised passengers to stay in touch with airlines for the latest flight updates. Snow clearance activities were underway on the runway, officials said.
Airlines Issue Advisories, Roads Shut Across Valley
Airlines issued advisories cautioning travellers about delays and disruptions. IndiGo said that both take-offs and landings at Srinagar had been temporarily suspended due to snowfall.
“To ensure we are ready for departure as soon as we receive clearance, our team may complete boarding formalities in advance,” the airline said, adding that it was closely monitoring weather conditions.
SpiceJet also warned that all arrivals and departures at Srinagar, along with consequential flights, could be affected and advised passengers to regularly check their flight status.
Meanwhile, heavy snow accumulation forced the closure of several key highways and mountain roads across the Kashmir Valley, leading to traffic congestion in multiple areas. Authorities said road clearance operations were in progress, but further snowfall could result in additional shutdowns.