Another Step Forward in Rail Connectivity in Kashmir
Jammu: Good news for tourists visiting Kashmir: in a significant move to strengthen rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Northern Railway has extended the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to operate from Jammu Tawi. This long-standing demand of the region’s residents has now been fulfilled, providing thousands of travelers with a faster, safer, and more reliable travel option.
Uchit Singhal, Senior Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, stated that due to high public demand, train numbers 26401/26402 of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express have been extended to Jammu Tawi. This extension will facilitate smooth travel between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. The extension will take effect from March 1, 2026.
According to Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, passengers can now travel between Jammu and Srinagar in under five hours, significantly faster than the road journey. Road travelers in the region often face disruptions due to landslides, heavy snowfall, and adverse weather. The Vande Bharat service provides a reliable, all-weather travel option ensuring safety, comfort, and punctuality.
The semi high-speed Vande Bharat trains are equipped with modern passenger amenities and enhanced safety features, making travel not only faster but also more convenient. This extension is expected to benefit local residents, promote tourism, facilitate business, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project was inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025. Since its inauguration, there has been consistent demand from residents, traders, students, and tourists to connect Jammu directly with Srinagar via a semi high-speed Vande Bharat service.
This initiative reflects the Government of India and Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and meet the expectations of the people.
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