Srinagar, April 29, KNT: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off a direct 20-coach Vande Bharat train service between Jammu and Srinagar on April 30, with regular services for the public scheduled to begin from May 2.
The introduction of the service marks a significant upgrade in rail connectivity between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir, offering reduced travel time and all-weather transport across the region.
Railway officials said the train will commence its maiden journey from Jammu Tawi and travel up to Srinagar, traversing difficult Himalayan terrain. On the same day, a corresponding service will operate from Srinagar to Jammu.
The train will cover a distance of 267 kilometres and operate six days a week, with no service scheduled on Tuesdays.
The rail link between Katra in Reasi district and Srinagar, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, ended decades of limited connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Officials said the project, built at a cost of around ₹28,000 crore, is considered among the most challenging railway engineering efforts globally due to the difficult mountainous terrain.
Prior to this rollout, an eight-coach train was operating between Katra and Srinagar. The new 20-coach Vande Bharat train is expected to significantly increase passenger capacity on the route.
A trial run of the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat service was conducted earlier this week between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the train has been developed using indigenous technology and is equipped with modern amenities aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
Features include the ‘Kavach’ safety system, GPS-based passenger information system, and improved seating arrangements.
Officials said the service is expected to provide a boost to tourism and the local economy, while improving accessibility between the regions. [KNT]
What is Vande Bharat Train Service?
Vande Bharat Express is India’s semi-high-speed, indigenously built train service designed for faster intercity travel. Developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, it features advanced safety systems like ‘Kavach’, GPS-based passenger information, automatic doors, and modern onboard amenities. The train is designed to offer higher speed, improved comfort, and reduced travel time compared to conventional rail services.
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