Jammu Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Records Nearly 45,000 Passengers in Opening 10 Days
NEW DELHI, 12 MAY 2026 — The newly launched Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has emerged as a major success, transporting 44,727 passengers within the first ten days of its regular operations beginning 2 May 2026. Following the inauguration of the historic 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link by Narendra Modi in June 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the augmented 20-coach services on 30 April 2026. The impact was immediate, with the maiden week alone seeing 28,762 travelers. Operating two pairs of trains—Numbers 26401/26402 and 26403/26404—the service ensures that the Jammu-Kashmir corridor is served by up to four daily trips, providing a seamless lifeline for locals, pilgrims, and tourists.
The ridership data highlights an overwhelming demand that has consistently pushed the expanded 20-coach trains to near-capacity. Peak occupancy reached a staggering 98.21% on Sunday, 10 May, while even single-pair operation days maintained occupancy rates above 94%. This surge underscores how the rail link has addressed a significant travel deficit in the region. By offering a reliable, all-weather alternative capable of operating in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, the Vande Bharat Express bypasses the frequent landslides and snow blockages that often paralyze the National Highway, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity through the Himalayan terrain.
Beyond convenience, the service has redefined travel economics in the region by becoming the most affordable premium option. A Chair Car ticket, inclusive of meals, is priced significantly lower than budget airline fares and shared cab rates, making “Paradise on Earth” accessible to a broader demographic. Passengers are treated to a world-class journey across engineering marvels like the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, cutting travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to under five hours. As Kashmir enters its peak summer tourism season, the Vande Bharat Express stands as a vital engine for economic prosperity and a picturesque gateway for travelers from across India.