Direct train service linking Jammu and Srinagar is set to begin on April 30, as confirmed by Northern Railway officials. The inauguration of this service will be conducted by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State (PMO), Dr Jitendra Singh, at the Jammu railway station. The Vande Bharat Express will operate on this route, with all necessary preparations completed, including successful trial runs and security arrangements.
The launch event will also be attended by Jugal Kishore, Lok Sabha member from Jammu constituency, alongside Dr Jitendra Singh. Currently, there are two Vande Bharat Express trains running between Katra and Srinagar, which will now be extended to Jammu with revised schedules to be announced by the Railways Department. The introduction of these trains will significantly improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, reducing travel time.
The long-awaited dream of a rail link between Kashmir and the rest of India was realized when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train from Katra to Srinagar on June 6, 2025. On the same day, he inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, providing the Valley with all-weather rail connectivity. This enhanced connectivity will be particularly beneficial during adverse weather conditions when the National Highway gets blocked, making train services a crucial alternative for commuters.
The premium train service currently running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar will be extended to Jammu Tawi. Initially scheduled for March 1, 2026, the launch date for the direct Jammu-Srinagar train was postponed. The upgraded 20-car rake will operate on this route, replacing the current eight-car Vande Bharat rake. The Jammu railway division, inaugurated in January 2025, has been actively expanding freight operations, handling various consignments from different parts of the country.
