Direct Jammu Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to Launch May 2 With Reduced Travel Time

JAMMU, APRIL 29, 2026:-Northern Railway has announced that the Vande Bharat Express will commence regular operations between Jammu and Srinagar on May 2, 2026, following its inaugural run tomorrow.

This high-speed service is designed to significantly improve connectivity between the Jammu Division and the Kashmir Valley, completing the journey in less than five hours.

The service will be managed through two pairs of trains, 26401/26402 and 26403/26404, both of which will operate six days a week. Train 26401 will depart Jammu Tawi at 6:20 AM and reach Srinagar by 11:10 AM, with a return trip in the afternoon, while the second pair will provide a morning departure from Srinagar at 8:00 AM.

The new service features an upgraded 20-coach configuration, moving away from the standard 8-coach setup to accommodate higher passenger demand. Travelers will benefit from scheduled stops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal, making the train a vital link for both local commuters and tourists.

The fully air-conditioned rakes are equipped with the latest safety and comfort technology, including the Kavach anti-collision system, automatic sliding doors, GPS-based information displays, and 180-degree rotating seats in premium classes.

This expansion is expected to transform the travel experience for devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine and tourists heading into the valley by offering a more reliable and luxurious alternative to road travel.

Northern Railway officials confirmed that the timetable is structured to ensure maximum utility for day-trippers and business travelers alike. Tickets for these new services are now available for booking through the official IRCTC website and at railway reservation counters across the country.