Srinagar: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the extended Vande Bharat Express service connecting Jammu Tawi with Srinagar via Katra, marking a major step in enhancing rail connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the occasion, Vaishnaw said that strengthening maintenance practices remains central to ensuring safety and security, while the next priority is to increase capacity on the Jammu–Srinagar rail corridor through track doubling. He highlighted that the Qazigund–Arinagar section is being taken up for doubling, which will enable more trains to operate on the route.
The Minister noted that the Vande Bharat service on the Jammu–Katra–Srinagar route has witnessed overwhelming demand, operating at full capacity with over 5.5 lakh passengers travelling so far. He added that the train is equipped with advanced technology to function in extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, with specialised systems to prevent freezing.
Highlighting its economic impact, Vaishnaw said the rail link has supported cargo movement from the Valley, with nearly 2 crore kilograms of apples transported to Delhi and dedicated bookings made for cherry consignments.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the enhanced service will significantly benefit both passengers and trade. He noted that the increase from 8 to 20 coaches has raised the train’s capacity to around 1,400 passengers, while also improving freight movement, including transport of construction material, vehicles and horticulture produce.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Railway Ministry for completing the long-pending rail link to the Kashmir Valley, calling it a major milestone in regional connectivity.
The train, which earlier operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run up to Jammu Tawi, integrating the Valley more directly with the national rail network. The service will commence regular operations from May 2, 2026, with two pairs of trains running six days a week, offering both morning and afternoon options from Jammu and Srinagar.
The extension eliminates the need for passengers to change trains at Katra, providing a seamless journey across the region. This is expected to particularly benefit pilgrims travelling to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and those undertaking onward journeys to the Kashmir Valley, as well as tourists and local commuters.
The development also strengthens all-weather connectivity, especially during winter months when road access via the Jammu-Srinagar highway is often disrupted due to snowfall. The Vande Bharat trains deployed on the route are designed with advanced heating systems and weather-resistant features to ensure reliable operations.
The expanded service is also expected to support trade and local businesses by enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods, including handicrafts and agricultural produce, between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
The project is part of the broader Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), one of India’s most ambitious railway infrastructure initiatives. Key engineering landmarks along the route include the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Over the past decade, railway infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir has seen steady expansion, including electrification, station redevelopment, and improved connectivity, aimed at integrating the region more closely with the rest of the country.
(DD News)