Jammu, April 30, 2026: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the upgraded 20 coach Jammu Srinagar Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Railway Station, marking a major milestone in the expansion of rail infrastructure and regional connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The enhanced service, expanded from its earlier 8 coach capacity, is expected to significantly improve passenger mobility, tourism access, and freight transportation while serving as a critical economic lifeline for the Union Territory.
Addressing the launch ceremony in the presence of senior political leaders including Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Vaishnaw described the project as a transformative chapter in Indian Railways’ history, emphasising its role in integrating Jammu and Kashmir more deeply with the national transport network.
The Railway Minister highlighted the overwhelming success of the Vande Bharat service in the region, revealing that the trains have maintained full occupancy since operations began and have already transported more than 5.5 lakh passengers. He noted that the inclusion of regional cuisines, including Dogri and Kashmiri dishes, has further enhanced the travel experience for tourists and pilgrims.
Specially engineered for extreme climatic conditions, the Vande Bharat trains operating in Jammu and Kashmir are equipped to function efficiently even in temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, ensuring uninterrupted services in the Himalayan terrain.
Vaishnaw stressed that improved rail infrastructure is also delivering substantial economic benefits by streamlining freight movement, reducing transportation costs of essential goods, and strengthening agricultural supply chains. The network has already facilitated large scale transport of apples, cherries, dairy products, automobiles, and construction materials, directly benefiting consumers, farmers, and traders.
To further strengthen rail capacity in the region, the Minister announced that doubling work on the Qazigund Baramulla rail corridor is currently underway. He also confirmed that strategic projects including the Poonch Rajouri rail link and the Uri Baramulla extension are progressing through planning and DPR stages.
In addition to train expansion, redevelopment of Jammu Tawi Railway Station and several other stations across Jammu and Kashmir is being accelerated to modernise passenger facilities and accommodate future growth.
Vaishnaw also assured comprehensive railway support arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, focusing on enhanced safety, convenience, and operational readiness for pilgrims.
Following the flag off, the Railway Minister travelled onboard the Vande Bharat service to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station and conducted inspections of the landmark Anji Bridge and Chenab Bridge under the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link project.
The upgraded Jammu Srinagar Vande Bharat service represents a strategic infrastructure leap aimed at transforming mobility, trade, and tourism while reinforcing Jammu and Kashmir’s long term economic integration with the rest of India.
No Comments: