Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will launch the extended Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express service from Jammu Tawi Railway Station. This train, previously running from Srinagar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now extend its route to Jammu Tawi, making it the most modern train in J&K’s largest city and railway hub.
The inaugural run will be marked by the flag-off, with the extended Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express commencing regular service from May 2, 2026. Operating two pairs of services covering approximately 266 km, the first service departs Jammu Tawi at 6:20 AM, reaching Srinagar at 11:10 AM. The return journey leaves Srinagar at 2:00 PM, arriving back at Jammu Tawi by 6:50 PM, running six days a week, except Tuesday.
Another service departs Srinagar at 8:00 AM, reaching Jammu Tawi by 12:40 PM, with the return journey departing Jammu Tawi at 1:20 PM and arriving back at Srinagar by 6:00 PM, running six days a week, except Wednesday. This initiative aims to provide passengers with morning and afternoon Vande Bharat options, enhancing travel flexibility.
Post the flag-off event, the Union Minister will inspect two significant engineering structures on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, namely the Anji Bridge and the Chenab Bridge. The decision to increase the train’s coaches from 8 to 20 is a response to the overwhelming passenger demand, especially during peak pilgrimage and tourist seasons, significantly boosting seating capacity and easing reservation pressures.
With the extension to Jammu Tawi, the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express aligns its capacity with the demand, catering to the largest catchment city effectively, meeting the long-standing demand for enhanced travel options.
