Vande Bharat Express now links Jammu to Srinagar directly

Srinagar: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir, the first direct rail link between the two capitals of Jammu and Srinagar.

The function took place in the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh, who is a Lok Sabha member from Udhampur constituency of Jammu.

Vaishnaw promised to focus on connecting remote areas like Poonch and Rajouri-along the Line of Control in Pirpanjal Valley of Jammu-and Uri-also along the LoC in northern Kashmir to the country's rail network.




Also Read | Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat, services from May 2


The direct railway link between Jammu and Srinagar will not only reduce travel time but also provide an all-weather link to the Valley, besides help in boosting the tourism sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the first direct train service between Katra and Srinagar on June 6, 2025. This service has now been extended up to the Jammu Tawi Railway Station.

"This train service is a major landmark for the people of Jammu and Kashmir...we can run this train even in minus ten degree celsius. This train is very popular with 100% occupancy and has become a lifeline for the region," Vaishnaw said.

The minister said that earlier the eight coaches between Srinagar and Katra ran at 100% occupancy and now it has been made into a 20-coach train. He said the train has been used by the people of Kashmir for ferrying goods like cement, cars and bikes.

"We will now focus on connecting Poonch and Rajouri with rail connectivity. We will also take up a project to connect Uri with the train," the minister said while interacting with reporters. He said the DPRs for these projects have been made, and the government will try to get work started soon.