First-ever direct Jammu–Srinagar train rolls out

• Abid Bashir
• Comments 0
• 01 May 2026

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Union Railway Minister flags off 20-coach Vande Bharat Calls it milestone in safety, capacity, all-weather connectivity • 100% occupancy • -10°C ready • 20 coaches now • 1,400 passengers • Dogri-Kashmiri food • 3,000 microchips • 2 crore kg apples • 32 cherry bogies • Track doubling underway • All-weather reliable

Srinagar, Apr 30: In a historic breakthrough, Jammu was finally connected directly to Srinagar by rail on Thursday as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the extended Vande Bharat Express service amid cheers. For the first time, passengers can now travel seamlessly between Jammu and Srinagar without changing trains at Katra—turning a long-cherished dream into reality.

The launch sparked scenes of jubilation at stations across the route. Passengers, many of whom had waited decades to witness this moment, described the experience as “emotional” and “historic.” Families waved, clicked selfies and applauded as the sleek train rolled out, symbolising not just connectivity but hope, progress and integration. 

The Union Minister was accompanied by MoS in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and BJP MP & J&K president Sat Sharma. Senior officials of the Railways and police were present during the flag-off. 

The train will take four hours and 50 minutes to reach Srinagar from Jammu. The upgraded 20-coach train now accommodates around 1,400 passengers, significantly enhancing capacity. Built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -10°C, the train ensures reliable service even during harsh winters when the Jammu–Srinagar highway often shuts down.

Speaking on the occasion, the Railway Minister said: “Maintenance practices are our focus on safety and security. The next focus is to increase the capacity of the Jammu to Srinagar rail line. In Europe, the same technology is being used, and the same technology is being used in J&K. This railway line has benefited cargo transportation. Two crore kilograms of apples have been transported from Kashmir to Delhi. Thirty-two bogies are booked for cherry."

Vaishnaw said the Vande Bharat Express on the Jammu-Katra-Srinagar route has emerged as a major success, with full occupancy, high passenger numbers and advanced technology enabling smooth operations even in extreme cold conditions. 

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Katra to Srinagar and Anji Khad, and the world’s highest Chenab bridge. This train had become a huge hit. This train has 100 per cent occupancy,” he said. “More than five and a half lakh people have travelled so far. We are serving Dogri and Kashmiri foods in this Vande Bharat. This train can be operated in -10-degree temperatures, and piping is such that water can’t freeze.”

The Union Minister said that the new 20-bogie train is a modified version of Vande Bharat. “Higher specification electronics are used, and 3000 microchips are being installed in this Vande Bharat,” he said.

Highlighting future plans, Vaishnaw said the track doubling on key stretches like Qazigund–Arinagar is underway to allow more trains and smoother operations. He said safety, maintenance and modernisation remain at the core of railway expansion in J&K. “It’s a milestone in safety, capacity and all-weather connectivity,” he added. 

In his speech, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the development, calling it a “game-changer” for the region’s economy. “The enhanced service will boost tourism, ease passenger movement and significantly improve transportation of goods such as apples, cherries, handicrafts and construction material,” he said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh credited PM Modi and Railway Minister Vaishnaw for completing the long-pending rail link to Kashmir. “I had requested a stop in Udhampur, and that was given. I want to thank PM Narendra Modi. In 1972, a train reached Jammu, and after 42 years, a train reached Katra. Modi ji inaugurated Katra railway station in 2014. The work was stopped further till Srinagar. Modi ji started that work, and the world’s highest bridge is now standing, and today we are connected to Srinagar,” said Singh.

Part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link USBRL, the route features iconic engineering feats like the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, reflecting years of effort to overcome the region’s challenging terrain.

Regular operations will begin from May 2, with trains running six days a week, offering both morning and afternoon departures. Beyond convenience, the service marks a new chapter in Kashmir’s journey—where steel tracks now carry not just passengers, but aspirations fulfilled.