SRINAGAR: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express train between Jammu and Srinagar on April 30, marking a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s rail connectivity, while regular public services on the route will commence from May 2.
The direct rail link between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir, strengthen all-weather surface transport, and provide a major boost to tourism and the local economy.
Officials said the modern Vande Bharat Express will undertake its maiden journey from Jammu Tawi Railway Station to Srinagar, covering a total distance of 267 kilometres across the challenging Pir Panjal terrain. Simultaneously, another train will operate from Srinagar towards Jammu.
The train service will run six days a week in both directions, with services remaining suspended on Tuesdays.
A trial run of the train was successfully conducted on Tuesday between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra ahead of the formal inauguration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier inaugurated the first direct train service between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, 2025. The latest extension up to Jammu Tawi now completes a crucial phase of the ambitious Rs 28,000-crore railway project aimed at linking Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the indigenously developed Vande Bharat train is equipped with advanced passenger amenities, including the Kavach safety system, GPS-based passenger information system, and rotating seats, offering world-class travel standards.
Railway officials said the service is expected to transform regional connectivity, enhance passenger convenience, and further accelerate economic and tourism growth across Jammu and Kashmir.
