The weather has rewritten the itinerary for travellers headed to Jammu and Katra this September. Days of relentless rain have triggered landslides and flash floods, forcing Indian Railways to cancel 68 trains to and from the region until September 30. The rains have left the region cut off and thousands of people stranded. What might have been a pilgrimage or a holiday is, for now, an exercise in patience.
The downpour began on August 26 and has barely relented since. By August 28, Jammu had recorded 380 mm of rainfall—its heaviest since 1910. Flash floods and landslides battered the Pathankot–Jammu section, a crucial lifeline for the region, forcing the suspension of train services for over a week. Northern Railway has since confirmed that 68 trains in and out of Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra stations will remain cancelled until September 30.
While this may sound like a blanket shutdown, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Twenty-four trains, including the Sampark Kranti, Sealdah Express, Kantri Express, Trivandrum Express, and the popular Vande Bharat (resuming September 7), are gradually being restored. To ease movement between Jammu and Katra, four shuttle services have also been added between September 1 and 15. Officials say these are designed to help locals and pilgrims reach the shrine town, though availability changes daily and travellers are advised to double-check schedules on IRCTC or at stations.
The immediate cause of this disruption is, of course, the weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to issue warnings of intermittent showers, particularly across south Kashmir, where heavier rainfall has been recorded. Although the Jhelum and other rivers remain below flood-alert levels, the region’s slopes and highways remain fragile. Roads are prone to sudden blockages, and landslides continue to be reported around Katra and adjoining districts.
The toll has been sobering. A landslide near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra claimed 34 lives, underscoring just how dangerous the terrain has become when lashed by relentless rain. For travellers, this means extra caution. Pilgrimage routes may reopen, but access can shift with each fresh spell of rain, leaving devotees in limbo.
For now, flexibility is the watchword. Those planning to visit Jammu and Kashmir this September are urged to monitor IMD forecasts and Northern Railway advisories before setting out. Many hotels and homestays offer flexible cancellation policies, which may help travellers make last-minute adjustments. Locals, too, are leaning on shuttle trains and restored long-haul services, though delays remain the norm.
As of this week, authorities have ferried nearly 6,000 stranded passengers onward in special trains. But with September promising more unsettled skies, those heading north would do well to keep backup plans handy. It may be wise to postpone travel for the elderly or young children until conditions stabilise.
For a destination as beautiful as Jammu and Kashmir, the monsoon has long been part of its rhythm. Yet this year, nature’s force has left little room for the usual romance of rain-washed hills. For travellers, the message is clear: pack not just umbrellas and raincoats, but also patience, prudence, and the willingness to wait for clearer skies.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)
1. What's happening in Jammu and Kashmir?
The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir has been suspended for a week following a landslide that struck the pilgrimage route last Tuesday, resulting in 35 deaths. This marks the longest closure of the yatra since the COVID-19 pandemic, with authorities forecasting additional rainfall in the region.
2. Why have so many trains been cancelled in Jammu?
Heavy rainfall since August 26 triggered landslides and floods, damaging the Pathankot–Jammu railway line. This forced Indian Railways to cancel 68 trains until September 30.
3. Is it safe to travel to Jammu at the moment?
Since the weather remains unpredictable, authorities advise caution, especially for those travelling with children, elderly passengers, or planning treks.
4. How is the road situation?
Highways are open but prone to waterlogging and occasional landslides.
5. Should I postpone my trip?
If your travel is non-essential, postponing may be the safest option, especially for families with elderly members or young children. For those travelling for pilgrimage, keep plans flexible and stay updated with official advisories.
