In a major development for Jammu and Kashmir, the first Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar was flagged off on Thursday, offering a significant boost to regional connectivity and tourism. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the 20-coach train service, establishing the first direct rail link between the two capitals of the union territory.
Launch Ceremony Highlights
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh. This service extends the earlier direct train between Katra and Srinagar, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, to Jammu Tawi railway station.
Train Schedule and Stoppages
The new service significantly cuts travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, covering a distance of approximately 266 kilometers. Two pairs of trains will operate on this route six days a week.
First Pair (No service on Tuesdays)
- Train 26401: Departs Jammu Tawi at 6:20 AM, stops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal, arrives Srinagar at 11:10 AM (4 hours 50 minutes).
- Train 26402: Departs Srinagar at 2:00 PM, arrives Jammu Tawi at 6:50 PM.
Second Pair (No service on Wednesdays)
- Train 26404: Departs Srinagar at 8:00 AM, stops at Banihal and Katra, arrives Jammu Tawi at 12:40 PM.
- Train 26403: Departs Jammu Tawi at 1:20 PM, arrives Srinagar at 6:00 PM.
The regular service is scheduled to commence from May 2, operating six days a week with suspension on Tuesdays.
Modern Amenities and Safety Features
The 20-coach Vande Bharat train is equipped with indigenous technology, including the Kavach safety system, GPS-enabled passenger information system, and ergonomically designed rotating seats. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal stated that the train aims to deliver a world-class travel experience.
Infrastructure and Economic Impact
The train traverses challenging terrain, covering 267 kilometers on its route. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges, forming critical infrastructure connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. Work on this project began in the late 1990s, with the first train within the Valley operating in October 2008. The extension to Jammu Tawi marks a milestone in modernizing railway connectivity in the region, expected to boost tourism and the local economy. Additionally, railway stations at Jammu Tawi, Katra, Udhampur, and Budgam are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
