JAMMU: In a major milestone for regional connectivity, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the extended Vande Bharat Express service connecting Jammu Tawi with Srinagar via Katra.
The train, which previously operated only between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run directly from Jammu Tawi, deeply integrating the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network.
Enhanced Capacity and Weather-Proof Technology Addressing the historic occasion, Minister Vaishnaw noted the overwhelming demand for the route, which has already seen over 5.5 lakh passengers. To meet this demand, the train has been upgraded from 8 to 20 coaches, raising its capacity to accommodate approximately 1,400 passengers.
The Vande Bharat deployed on this route is equipped with specialized, advanced technology designed to function flawlessly in extreme winter conditions—withstanding temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius and featuring specialized systems to prevent freezing.
Minister Vaishnaw also emphasized the economic boon of the rail link, highlighting that it has already supported the transport of nearly 2 crore kilograms of apples to Delhi, alongside dedicated cargo bookings for cherries.
A Boon for Tourism, Trade, and Pilgrimage Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lauded the enhanced service, noting it will significantly benefit both passengers and local trade, improving the freight movement of horticulture produce, construction materials, and vehicles. Union Minister Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Railway Ministry for completing the long-pending Kashmir Valley rail link.
By eliminating the need to change trains at Katra, the extension provides a seamless journey that will greatly benefit pilgrims traveling to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, as well as tourists and local commuters. Furthermore, it ensures reliable, all-weather connectivity, bypassing the frequent winter snowfall disruptions on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
Future Expansion and USBRL Context Looking ahead, Minister Vaishnaw stated that the next priority is increasing track capacity on the Jammu-Srinagar corridor. The Qazigund–Arinagar section is currently being taken up for track doubling, which will allow even more trains to operate.
The extended Vande Bharat service is a crowning achievement of the broader Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which features engineering marvels like the Chenab Rail Bridge (the world’s highest railway arch bridge) and the Anji Khad Bridge.
Regular operations for the extended service will commence on May 2, 2026, with two pairs of trains running six days a week, offering both morning and afternoon options.
