Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat To Start From May 2
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the extended Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi, marking the first direct Vande Bharat service between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Flagged Off
The 20-coach Vande Bharat Express was flagged off on April 30 and will begin regular passenger services from May 2, 2026. The train will connect Jammu Tawi with Srinagar, extending the earlier Katra-Srinagar service up to Jammu.
The launch ceremony was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, among other dignitaries.
First Direct Train Between Jammu And Srinagar
The service is expected to reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar while improving all-weather surface connectivity in the Union Territory. It will cover around 266-267 km and operate six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays.
Officials said the train has been designed with modern passenger facilities and will provide a more comfortable travel option across the difficult terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir Rail Link Boosts Tourism
The extended service is part of the wider Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, built at a cost of over ₹43,000 crore. The project includes major engineering works through the Himalayan terrain, including tunnels and bridges.
The direct Vande Bharat connection is expected to boost tourism, support pilgrims travelling toward the Vaishno Devi route and improve economic connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
