Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the direct 20-coach Vande Bharat Express train service between Jammu and Srinagar. This service will be open to the public starting May 2. The event was attended by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister of State (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The new train service is expected to boost tourism and reduce travel time between the twin capitals. It will also provide an all-weather alternative to the frequently disrupted Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously launched the train service between Katra town and Srinagar on June 6, 2025.
The extension of the Vande Bharat Express to Jammu Tawi Railway Station marks a significant milestone in enhancing railway connectivity in the region. The project to link the Valley with the rest of the country, costing Rs 43,780 crore, was initiated in the late 1990s. The railway link across the Pir Panjal mountains is considered one of the most challenging projects ever undertaken by the Indian Railways.
The modern Vande Bharat train, with 20 coaches, embarked on its inaugural journey from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar. The train service within the Valley began in 2008, while it reached Udhampur town in 2005. The Vande Bharat Express is equipped with advanced amenities and will cover a total distance of 267 kilometers.
The Jammu-Srinagar train service, operating six days a week, will not run on Tuesdays. The train is designed with indigenous technology, offering passengers top-notch facilities such as the ‘Kavach’ safety system and GPS-based information. This service is expected to enhance the local economy and promote tourism in the region.
