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| 04-05-2026 | |
| Historic Day for Jammu & Kashmir: Grand Launch of Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar | |
Union Railway Minister Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh, and CM Sh. Omar Abdullah flag off the new service from Jammu Tawi Station
Modern 20-coach Vande Bharat train equipped with 'Winterization' technology; built to maintain speed even during heavy snowfall
Railway Minister inspects the world's highest 'Chenab Bridge', Anji Bridge, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station
Jammu, April 30, 2026:
A golden chapter was added to the history of rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir today. Reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to "Development through Connectivity," the Hon'ble Minister of Railways, Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Sh. Omar Abdullah, today ceremoniously inaugurated the direct 'Vande Bharat Express' service from Jammu Tawi Railway Station to Srinagar (Kashmir Valley).
The historic occasion was graced by Rajya Sabha MP Sh. Gulam Ali Khatana, Sh. Satpal Sharma, MLA Dr. Narendra Singh, Sh. Vikram Randhawa, and Sh. Yudhvir Sethi. Senior railway officials, including Northern Railway General Manager Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pandey and Divisional Railway Manager Sh. Vivek Kumar, welcomed the dignitaries. Cultural programs performed by schoolgirls added a festive vibrance to the ceremony.
Key Highlights of the Address:
In his address, Railway Minister Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw termed the launch as "New History," stating that this rail link establishes an unbreakable and direct connection between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. He noted that, considering the high passenger demand, a modern 20-coach Vande Bharat train has been introduced on this route instead of the standard 8-coach version.
The Minister further highlighted:
Since the opening of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) in June 2025, approximately 2.28 lakh tonnes of freight, including cement, fertilizer, wheat, and steel, has been transported.
To date, the Srinagar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat has successfully ferried nearly 5.5 lakh passengers over 1,022 trips.
Technical Features and Benefits:
For the first time, this train is equipped with 'Winterization' technology, featuring heated windshields and specialized heating systems to ensure uninterrupted operations even in sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. The 267 km distance will now be covered in just 4 to 5 hours, saving significant time and providing a major boost to local trade, tourism, and the regional economy.
Inspection:
Following the inauguration, the Railway Minister conducted a detailed inspection of the world-renowned Chenab Bridge, the Anji Bridge, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station, while reviewing the progress of ongoing projects.
Operational Details and Schedule:
Regular service of the Vande Bharat Express will commence on May 02, 2026. The service will be operated via two pairs of trains:
Train No. 26401/26402 (6 days a week, except Tuesday):
Departure Jammu: 06:20 AM | Arrival Srinagar: 11:10 AM
Departure Srinagar: 02:00 PM | Arrival Jammu: 06:50 PM
Train No. 26403/26404 (6 days a week, except Wednesday):
Departure Srinagar: 08:00 AM | Arrival Jammu: 12:40 PM
Departure Jammu: 01:20 PM
This direct service is set to become a major attraction for tourists and a fast, affordable lifeline for traders, students, and patients alike.
