Jammu, April 30: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the direct 20-coach Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar, marking a major milestone in regional connectivity. The service will be open to the public from May 2.
The launch ceremony was attended by Omar Abdullah and Jitendra Singh, underscoring the significance of the project for the Union Territory.
The new rail link is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the twin capitals while providing a reliable, all-weather alternative to the frequently disrupted Jammu–Srinagar highway. It is also projected to boost tourism and support local economic activity.
The service builds on the earlier inauguration by Narendra Modi in June 2025, when the train route between Katra and Srinagar was launched. The extension to Jammu Tawi Railway Station now completes a crucial segment of the rail network.
The project forms part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a ₹43,780 crore initiative considered among the most challenging railway engineering efforts globally. Spanning 267 km, the route includes 36 tunnels covering 119 km and 943 bridges, cutting across the rugged Pir Panjal mountains.
Equipped with advanced features such as the ‘Kavach’ safety system, GPS-based passenger information, and modern seating, the indigenous Vande Bharat train aims to deliver a high-quality travel experience.
The service will operate six days a week, with no runs scheduled on Tuesdays. Officials confirmed that simultaneous operations from Srinagar to Jammu have also commenced.
Over the past decade, Indian Railways has significantly expanded infrastructure in the region, including electrification of routes and the creation of a dedicated Jammu Railway Division. Stations such as Jammu Tawi, Katra, Udhampur, and Budgam are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The new rail connectivity is expected to ensure smoother movement of passengers and goods, especially during highway disruptions, strengthening supply chains and improving economic resilience in the Kashmir Valley.
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