Srinagar, Mar 30: Ahead of the launch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and the flagging off of trains on the USBRL section by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 19, Northern Railway has announced the schedule for Vande Bharat Express trains in the Kashmir valley and has proposed two Vande Bharat services.
As per Northern Railway communique, two Vande Bharat services—Vande Bharat-01 and Vande Bharat-02—between Sangaldan (SINA) and Jammu Tawi (JAT), with key stops at Banihal (BAHL) and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK).
It said that Vande Bharat-01 (Except Wednesday) SINA – JAT and will depart from Sangaldan at 08:00 AM, arriving at Jammu Tawi at 12:40 PM.
Similarly, JAT – SINA will depart from Jammu Tawi at 06:00 PM, and arrive at Sangaldan at 10:40 PM. The average Speed of the train will be 57 kmph and will cover distance of 266 km
It further says that Vande Bharat-02 (Except Tuesday). The JAT – SINA will depart from Jammu Tawi at 06:20 AM, arrive at Sangaldan at 11:10 AM. Similarly SINA – JAT will depart from Sangaldan at 02:00 PM, arrive at Jammu Tawi at 06:50 PM. The average speed: 55.03 kmph and it will cover a distance of 266 kms.
The introduction of Vande Bharat trains will lead to schedule modifications for other passenger services 16031 group arrival at SVDK will shift to 11:05 AM from 10:45 AM.
“12471 group will now reach SVDK at 05:50 PM instead of 05:25 PM.Trains 19416 and 22942 will start 30 minutes earlier from SVDK and MCTM. 22431, 20985, and 19803 will arrive 20 minutes later at CTM and SVDK. Timings for train 20433 at Jammu Tawi will also be revised,” he said.
To accommodate ongoing infrastructure projects, he said that Vande Bharat services will initially run between Sangaldan and SVDK until the completion of remodeling work at Jammu Tawi yard.
“A comprehensive revision of passenger train schedules across the Kashmir Valley will follow the implementation of the new services. Railway authorities are finalizing the operational details to ensure seamless integration with the existing network,” it said.
The communique reads that launch of these high-speed trains is expected to significantly improve travel efficiency and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said,“USBRL inauguration is expected to occur before the completion of modernization work at Jammu Railway station, once the final schedule is prepared, it will be shared with the media.
t“Special attention is being given to passenger amenities, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for travelers. The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir is poised to be a historic moment,” he added.
The 326 KM railway line between Katra to Baramulla passes through treacherous mountains and boasts of the highest rail bridge in the world, built over Chenab River in Reasi district of Jammu region and has dozens of long and short tunnels.
