New Delhi, April 29, 2026: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended Srinagar Jammu Vande Bharat Express from Jammu Tawi Railway Station on April 30, marking a significant expansion of high speed rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The upgraded service, which previously operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run directly to Jammu Tawi, linking the Kashmir Valley with one of northern India’s largest rail hubs through a seamless journey. Regular services on the expanded route are scheduled to begin from May 2.
In response to overwhelming passenger demand since the corridor’s launch last year, Indian Railways has also expanded the train configuration from 8 coaches to 20 coaches, more than doubling passenger capacity and significantly reducing reservation pressure during peak pilgrimage and tourist seasons.
Officials said the extension will offer major convenience to Vaishno Devi pilgrims, Amarnath Yatra travellers, domestic and international tourists, business communities and daily commuters by eliminating the need for multiple interchanges and improving overall journey efficiency.
The new service is expected to serve as a critical all weather transport lifeline, especially during winter months when road connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar is frequently disrupted by snowfall.
During his visit, the Railway Minister will also inspect two major engineering landmarks of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link corridor, the Anji Khad Bridge and the Chenab Rail Bridge, which represent some of India’s most ambitious rail infrastructure achievements.
Railway officials said the expansion of the Vande Bharat corridor reflects the government’s long term strategy to modernise transportation infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, improve regional integration and unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade and economic development across the Union Territory.
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