In a historic first since independence, the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar have been directly connected by a train service. The milestone was achieved with the launch of the Vande Bharat Express on Thursday.
The train was flagged off by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, marking a major breakthrough in Jammu and Kashmir’s rail connectivity. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
A Historic Milestone Under PM Modi
The development comes under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with officials describing it as a landmark moment nearly 79 years after Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India.
The service was earlier inaugurated on 6 June 2025 but remained limited to the Katra-Srinagar route for several months. The latest extension now connects Jammu directly with Srinagar for the first time.
Full USBRL Route Now Operational
With this launch, the entire 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is now operational between the two capitals.
The mega rail project, completed over more than two decades, has finally enabled seamless and reliable travel through the region’s challenging terrain.
Officials said this is the first time Kashmir has a dependable, all-weather rail link connecting it with the rest of the country, reducing reliance on roads and flights often affected by bad weather.
Faster Travel and Regular Services
Regular train services will begin from 2 May.
Two train pairs will operate:
- Train No. 26401/26402: Six days a week (no service on Tuesdays)
- Train No. 26403/26404: Six days a week (no service on Wednesdays)
The journey will take around 4 hours and 50 minutes, with future plans to reduce travel time to nearly four hours.
Increased Capacity for Passengers
The new Vande Bharat service has been upgraded to 20 coaches, compared to the earlier 8-coach train running between Katra and Srinagar.
Officials said this decision was taken due to increasing passenger demand on the route.
Plans for Further Expansion
Authorities are planning to expand the service further:
- From Budgam to Jammu
- From Baramulla to New Delhi
These expansions aim to fully integrate Kashmir with India’s wider railway network.
Passengers Welcome the Service
Passengers on the inaugural journey described the train as a major achievement.
One passenger called it a “gift” and expressed gratitude for improved connectivity.
Others highlighted how the train will help during emergencies and reduce delays caused by landslides or road closures.
Some passengers also requested people to maintain cleanliness inside the train, stressing the importance of protecting public property.
A New Era for Kashmir Travel
The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat marks a turning point for the region:
- First direct rail link between the two capitals
- Reliable all-weather transport option
- Faster and more comfortable travel
- Boost to tourism and economic activity
For residents and travellers alike, this new service offers a safer, quicker and more dependable way to move between Jammu and Srinagar.
You Might Also Like:
Iranian Journalist in Chador Goes Viral at US–Iran Talks in Islamabad, Sparks Global Debate
Iran Executes Former Nuclear Official Mehdi Farid Over Alleged Mossad Espionage Case