New Delhi: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off a direct 20-coach Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar on Thursday, with regular passenger services set to begin from May 2.
The new service is expected to significantly cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar while ensuring all-weather connectivity between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also anticipated to boost tourism and economic activity in the region.
The rail link connecting Katra town in Reasi district of Jammu division and Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025. Work on the ambitious link began in the late 1990s, fulfilling a nearly 70-year-old vision of connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
The first train began operating within the Kashmir Valley in October 2008, while the rail link connecting it to the Jammu division was built at a cost of around ₹28,000 crore.
Widely regarded as one of the most challenging railway projects in the world, the construction of tracks across the rugged Himalayan terrain stands as a remarkable feat of engineering and human determination.
This rail link remained an unrealised dream for the people of the Kashmir Valley till 2025, although trains had reached Udhampur town in 2005.
Railway officials said the new 20-coach Vande Bharat Express will begin its inaugural journey from Jammu Tawi (JAT) to Srinagar, providing seamless connectivity across the region’s challenging terrain.
“Simultaneously, a train will depart from Srinagar for Jammu on the same day the service begins from Jammu to Srinagar,” officials said.
Ahead of the inauguration, a trial run was conducted on Tuesday between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, officials added.
The inaugural Vande Bharat Express, featuring modern amenities and a 20-coach configuration, will travel a total distance of 267 kilometres on Thursday.
The service will run six days a week between Jammu and Srinagar, with operations suspended on Tuesdays.
“Constructed using indigenous technology, this Vande Bharat Express will offer passengers a world-class travel experience,” Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said.
Built using indigenous technology, the Vande Bharat Express is equipped with modern features such as the ‘Kavach’ safety system, GPS-based passenger information system, and comfortable rotating seats, offering a high-quality travel experience.
“This service will not only reduce travel time but also provide a massive boost to the local economy and tourism,” he added.
The upgraded 20-coach train replaces the earlier eight-coach train service between Katra and Srinagar, allowing for greater passenger capacity.
(DD News)
