SRINAGAR: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the extended Vande Bharat Express, now running from Jammu to Katra and onward to Srinagar, significantly boosting passenger capacity and operational efficiency on the crucial Jammu–Srinagar rail corridor.
Highlighting safety and future expansion, Vaishnaw said maintenance remains the top priority, while the next major focus is increasing capacity through track doubling, particularly on the Qazigund–Arinagar section. He noted that advanced railway technologies, comparable to European standards, are being deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure reliability and performance even in extreme conditions.
The upgraded Vande Bharat train now features 20 coaches—up from the earlier 8—more than doubling seating capacity to around 1,400 passengers. The enhancement comes in response to consistently high demand, with the service recording near 100% occupancy and over 5.5 lakh यात्रियों having travelled so far.
Vaishnaw also highlighted the train’s technological sophistication, including the use of over 3,000 microchips and high-specification electronics, enabling smooth operations in temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. Special design features ensure water systems do not freeze during harsh winters.
The rail line has also emerged as a key logistics lifeline, facilitating cargo movement from Kashmir to other parts of the country. Officials noted that over 2 crore kilograms of apples have been transported to Delhi, along with increased shipments of cherries and other goods.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the development, stating that enhanced connectivity has brought significant economic benefits, including easier transport of cement, vehicles, and agricultural produce. He also reiterated the need for a dry port and customs clearance facilities within the region to further boost exports.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Railway Ministry for completing the long-pending rail link to the Kashmir Valley, calling it a historic milestone in regional connectivity.
The Vande Bharat Express, first introduced on the Katra–Srinagar route in June 2025, has seen overwhelming passenger response. Its extension to Jammu Tawi now connects the Valley directly with one of the region’s प्रमुख rail hubs, marking a major leap in infrastructure development and integration.
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