train-services-suspended-amid-fresh-snowfall-in-j-k

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have suspended rail operations as several areas of Jammu on Thursday received fresh snowfall, transforming the mountainous region into a pristine wonderland. 

 

Train service along the Banihal-Budgam rail section has been suspended due to fresh snowfall, officials said. 

 

An official said that "due to heavy snowfall at several places in the Kashmir Valley, train services will remain suspended for the day. He said that the service will resume once tracks are cleared of snow". 

 

The majority of the snowfall occurred in Bhaderwah Valley in the Doda district, while Poonch was also covered in fresh snow. Similarly, fresh snowfall was also reported in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and the adjoining areas. 

 

Tourist resorts of Pahalgam and Sonamarg, the Zojila axis, upper areas in Budgam, Gurez, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and other places received snowfall early this morning.

 

The plains of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Baramulla also received light snowfall, officials said.

 

 In Srinagar, light snowflakes started when the last reports came in, they added.

 

The Meteorological Department has forecast generally cloudy weather with light rain or snow at scattered places in Kashmir for the rest of the day. It said light snow at isolated higher reaches cannot be ruled out during the weekend.

 

Additionally, the authorities have also closed down several roads in Jammu and Kashmir due to a forecast of heavy snowfall in the upper reaches and light snowfall in the plains on Thursday, they said.

 

Amid travel restrictions, Guldanda, located at 10, 000 feet altitude, has become a popular destination for travellers from across the country. In the past year, over 5 lakh tourists visited various parts of Bhaderwah, officials said.

 

As temperatures dip, the famed Kashmiri saffron fields and apple orchards lie dormant, in seasonal rest.

 

Local markets, on the other hand, are brimming with winter essentials like Pashmina shawls, woollen garments, and the rich aroma of traditional Kashmiri foods and the hot Kahwa.

 

The winter season in Jammu and Kashmir also brings the allure of snow sports, with places like Gulmarg transforming into a sports hub for skiers and snowboarders.