Kashmir Rail Revolution: 20-Coach Vande Bharat to Link Jammu and Srinagar in Seamless High-Speed Leap

JAMMU TAWI, April 29, 2026:- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is set to usher in a new era of Himalayan connectivity tomorrow, April 30, by flagging off the extended Srinagar-Jammu Tawi Vande Bharat Express.

In a move that directly addresses the overwhelming popularity of the route since its 2025 debut, the train has been massively augmented from 8 to 20 coaches.

This expansion more than doubles the seating capacity, effectively eliminating the long waitlists that have previously challenged pilgrims and tourists.

By extending the service from its previous terminus at Katra directly to Jammu Tawi, the government is providing a single, unbroken high-speed link that connects Jammu and Kashmir’s largest railway hub to the heart of the Valley, removing the need for inconvenient interchanges or mountain road travel.

The operational schedule for the new service, which begins regular runs on May 2, offers unprecedented flexibility with two pairs of trains running six days a week. The morning service from Jammu Tawi reaches Srinagar in just four hours and fifty minutes, while the second pair provides an afternoon return option.

This reliability is particularly vital for local commuters and traders; the Vande Bharat is engineered to withstand extreme winter temperatures as low as -20°C, ensuring a weatherproof lifeline when the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is blocked by snow.

For the region’s artisans and business owners, this faster, more affordable transit significantly reduces the logistical costs of moving famous Kashmiri crafts like pashmina and saffron to wider markets.

During his visit, the Railway Minister will also conduct a high-level inspection of the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the record-breaking Chenab Rail Bridge, which stands 359 meters above the riverbed.

These engineering marvels are the backbone of the ₹43,780 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

This extension marks the latest milestone in a decade of transformation for J&K’s railways, turning what was once a complex journey involving multiple modes of transport into a seamless, world-class experience for millions of devotees heading to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and travelers exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the North.