Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat launch today
Srinagar: Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express on Thursday is all set to flag off the extended marking a crucial expansion of rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per official details, the upgraded train now has 20 coaches, up from 8 earlier.
Regular passenger services on the route will start from May 2.
The train, which previously operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now be extended to Jammu Tawi. This expansion directly links the region’s largest rail hub with the Kashmir Valley, cutting travel time between Jammu and Srinagar while ensuring smoother, all-season connectivity.
In a post on X, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “Srinagar-Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express extension to Jammu Tawi Railway Station with 20 coaches augmentation!” underlining both the route extension and the increase in the capacity.
Travel Time cut to less than 5 hours
Travel between Jammu and Srinagar will now take just about 4 hours 50 minutes by train, compared to nearly eight hours by road, which is often affected by traffic and weather.
The service offers a reliable, all-season alternative, especially as the Jammu–Srinagar highway frequently faces disruptions due to landslides and snowfall. The Vande Bharat trains are built to run in extreme cold, even up to -20°C, ensuring smooth winter operations.
Timings, Route & Frequency
The train will cover around 266 km with stops at key stations like Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Banihal. Two pairs of trains will run, offering both morning and afternoon departures from each side, with return journeys scheduled in opposite time slots for convenience.
One Vande Bharat service will depart Jammu Tawi at 6:20 AM and reach Srinagar by 11:10 AM, stopping at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal. The return trip leaves Srinagar at 2:00 PM and arrives in Jammu Tawi at 6:50 PM. This service runs six days a week, except Tuesdays.
The second service departs Srinagar at 8:00 AM, reaching Jammu Tawi at 12:40 PM with stops at Banihal and Katra. Its return journey leaves Jammu Tawi at 1:20 PM and arrives in Srinagar at 6:00 PM. This service operates six days a week, except Wednesdays. A trial run was conducted earlier between Jammu and Katra before the launch.
