Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 30: In a landmark development for rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday flagged off the much-awaited Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, marking the first direct train link between Jammu Tawi and the Kashmir Valley.
With regular services set to begin from May 2, the high-speed train eliminates the need for road transfers, offering passengers a seamless journey across one of India’s most challenging terrains. The launch follows the successful completion of trial runs on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and comes ahead of the peak tourist season and the annual Amarnath Yatra.
The Vande Bharat Express will halt at four stations — Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Banihal, and Srinagar — ensuring faster connectivity. The train will cover a distance of around 267 km in nearly five hours, significantly reducing travel time compared to the eight to nine hours typically taken by road.
Two pairs of trains — 26401/26402 and 26403/26404 — will operate six days a week on the route. From Jammu, train 26401 will depart at 6.20 am and reach Srinagar at 11.10 am, while train 26403 will leave at 1.02 pm and arrive at 6.00 pm. From Srinagar, train 26404 will depart at 8.00 am and reach Jammu at 12.40 pm, and train 26402 will leave at 2.00 pm and arrive at 6.50 pm.
Ticket fares range between Rs 715 and Rs 1,515 depending on class and timing, with both AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car options available. Meals are included, and the Executive class offers enhanced comfort with additional legroom and premium seating.
The fully air-conditioned 20-coach train is equipped with modern amenities such as automatic doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, bio-vacuum toilets, and improved insulation to withstand extreme weather conditions in high-altitude regions.
The service is expected to provide a reliable alternative to the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, which often faces disruptions due to landslides, snowfall, and fog. Officials said extensive trials have been conducted to ensure smooth operations even during adverse weather, making the train a key step towards all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.