Jammu Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Extension to Transform Regional Trade and Connectivity CM Omar Said

JAMMU, April 30, 2026 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the historic flagging-off ceremony of the Vande Bharat Express today, celebrating the extension of the service from Katra to Jammu which establishes the first direct rail link between Jammu and Srinagar.

Joined by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, the Chief Minister described the event as a long-awaited milestone that marks a transformative phase for the region’s development.

He highlighted the remarkable engineering achievements, such as the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, noting that the rail service has already seen its capacity expand from 8 to 20 coaches to accommodate nearly 2,800 daily passengers.

This enhanced mobility is expected to significantly ease travel and improve accessibility for residents and tourists alike.Beyond passenger travel, the Chief Minister emphasized the vital role of the rail network in bolstering the economy through efficient freight movement.

He noted that essential goods like cement and food supplies, as well as automobiles, are now being transported directly into the Valley, while local products including fruits and dairy are reaching external markets more effectively.

To further strengthen this economic momentum, he appealed to the Railway Ministry to establish an inland dry port in Jammu and Kashmir to streamline customs and export processes.

Asserting that a lifelong dream has been realized, he stated that the new connection reduces dependence on road transport and ensures that Jammu and Kashmir is more integrated and connected than ever before.