Srinagar, Aug. 29 -- Srinagar- Northern Railway has restored direct train connectivity between Budgam in Kashmir and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, with the service resuming from today.

According to Northern Railway, train numbers 04688/04687 will operate on the Budgam-Katra route as per the regular schedule.

Train 04688 will depart from Budgam at 7:20 am and reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 1 pm. On the return journey, train 04687 will leave Katra at 1:45 pm and arrive at Budgam at 8 pm.

The restoration of the direct service is expected to benefit residents of the Kashmir Valley, besides students, employees and pilgrims travelling between Kashmir and the Jammu region.

The railway said the service would strengthen connectivity bet...