SRINAGAR: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the extended Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to Katra, stating that strengthening maintenance practices remains central to railway safety, while the next priority is enhancing capacity on the Jammu–Srinagar rail corridor through track doubling.
Addressing the event, Vaishnaw said that doubling of the Qazigund–Srinagar section would facilitate additional train services on the route. He noted that modern railway technology, comparable to European standards, is being introduced in Jammu and Kashmir. Highlighting freight operations, he said approximately 2 crore kilograms of apples have been transported from Kashmir to Delhi, while 32 coaches have been used for cherry consignments.
He described the Vande Bharat service on the Jammu–Katra–Srinagar route as highly successful, citing full occupancy and strong passenger demand, with over 5.5 lakh passengers having travelled so far. He said the train has been designed to operate in temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, with systems to prevent freezing and ensure reliable operation during harsh winters. He further said the upgraded 20-coach rake incorporates improved specifications and advanced electronic systems.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who attended the event, said the expanded service marks a significant improvement in connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. He noted that increasing the train composition from eight to 20 coaches has raised passenger capacity to around 1,400. He also underlined the growing use of rail transport for goods including cement, vehicles and fruit, and called for the establishment of a dry port with customs clearance facilities in the Union Territory.
The Vande Bharat service, which earlier operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now be extended up to Jammu Tawi, linking the premium train service with the region’s main railway hub.
